Ni–Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyzed N-alkylation of amines with alcohols

A γ-Al2O3 supported Ni and Cu bimetallic nanoparticles catalyst (45 wt.% Ni, Ni/Cu mass ratio = 4.5/1.0) is prepared by electroless plating method for the N-alkylation of amines with alcohols under base and Lewis acidic cocatalyst conditions. The catalyst afforded fast conversions, high selectivity for amines and alcohols with various structures under an Ar atmosphere in o-xylene. Furthermore, catalyst still has a stable catalytic activity after two consecutive cycles regenerated.

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► Ni–Cu/γ-Al2O3 heterogeneous catalyst was prepared facilely by electroless plating method.
► The catalyst (Ni45Cu10) showed the highest conversion and selectivity in the N-alkylation of amines with alcohols.
► It can be reused for three runs for N-alkylation reaction without significant loss.