Bidentate geometry-constrained iminopyridyl nickel-catalyzed synthesis of amines or imines via borrowing hydrogen or dehydrogenative condensation

The efficient Ni-catalyzed N-alkylation of various anilines with alcohols via borrowing hydrogen is reported using a bidentate geometry-constrained iminopyridyl nickel complex as the catalyst. Substituted benzylic alcohols and short/long chain aliphatic alcohols could be applied as the alkylation sources to couple with aromatic and heteroaromatic amines to give a diverse set of N-alkylation outcomes in moderate to excellent yields. The nickel catalytic system was also suitable for aliphatic amines, selectively delivering the corresponding imines via an acceptorless dehydrogenative condensation strategy. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.