Cooperative catalysis of molybdenum with organocatalysts for distribution of products between amines and imines

Multi-amino groups and nitrogen donors compound was discovered as an organocatalyst for N-alkylation of alcohols with amines in the presence of Mo(CO)6. The Mo(CO)6/organocatalyst binary system has shown to be a highly active catalyst for the N-alkylation reaction between alcohols and amines with excellent tolerance of variable starting materials bearing different functional groups. Of particular note, this method possessing a superiority selectivity in the synthesis of N-alkylated amines or imines, which can be controlled by the reaction temperature. The cooperative catalysis mechanism in combination of Mo(CO)6 with organocatalyst was elucidated by control experiments.

Automated summary

A new catalytic system consisting of Mo(CO)6 and organocatalyst has been discovered for N-alkylation of alcohols with amines, showing high activity, tolerance, and selectivity. The cooperative catalysis mechanism was elucidated through control experiments.