Switchable Imine and Amine Synthesis Catalyzed by a Well-Defined Cobalt Complex

Switchable imine and amine synthesis catalyzed by a tripodal ligand-supported well-defined cobalt complex is presented herein. A large variety of primary alcohols and amines were selectively converted to imines or amines in good to excellent yields. It is discovered that the base plays a crucial role on the selectivity. A catalytic amount of base leads to the imine formation, while an excess loading of base results in the amine product. This strategy on product selectivity also strongly depends on the organometallic catalysts in use. We expect that the present study could provide useful insights toward selective organic synthesis and catalyst design.

Automated summary

The presence of base plays a crucial role in determining the selectivity of the imine and amine synthesis process. A catalytic amount of base leads to imine formation, while an excess loading of base results in amine product. The product selectivity also strongly depends on the organometallic catalysts used.