Benzimidazolium sulfonate ligand precursors and application in ruthenium-catalyzed aromatic amine alkylation with alcohols

• New benzimidazolium sulfonate salts
• In situ generated catalyst from [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 and benzimidazolium sulfonate
• N-alkylation of aromatic amines with alcohols via hydrogen borrowing process

New benzimidazolium sulfonate salts have been prepared and fully characterized. They have been associated in situ with [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 to generate efficient catalytic systems operating at 120 °C under neat conditions in the presence of potassium tert-butylate for selective N-alkylation of primary aromatic amines into secondary amines.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide