Rational Optimization of Lewis-Acid Catalysts for Direct Alcohol Amination, Part 2-Titanium Triflimide as New Active Catalyst

The reactivity of a new titanium triflimide salt (see Part 1) was investigated for the direct amination of alcohols. The combination of this new Lewis acid with pyridine-based ligands allowed a significant increase of activity. The scope of the reaction was increased compared to other Lewis-acid-based protocols. Finally, mechanistic insights based on EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations are provided.