Cobalt-Rhodium Heterobimetallic Nanoparticle-Catalyzed N-Alkylation of Amines with Alcohols to Secondary and Tertiary Amines

Without the requirement for base or other additives, Co2Rh2/C can selectively catalyze both mono- and bis-N-alkylation through the coupling of simple alcohols with amines, yielding a range of secondary and tertiary amines in good to excellent isolated yields. The reaction can be applied to benzyl alcohol with optically active 1-phenylethan-1-amines, and secondary amines were isolated in quantitative yields with an excellent enantiomeric excess (ee > 94%). Selectivity is achieved by varying the reaction temperature and amount of catalyst used. This catalytic system has several advantages including eco-friendliness and a simple workup procedure. The catalyst can be successfully recovered and reused ten times without any significant loss of activity.