Selective N-monoalkylation of anilines catalyzed by a cationic ruthenium(II) compound

[(PPh3)2Ru(CH3CN)3Cl][BPh4] has been found to catalyze the selective monoalkylation of anilines by alcohols.

[RuCl(PPh3)2(CH3CN)3][BPh4] catalyzes selective monoalkylation of anilines by alcohols.