Iminium salts by Meerwein alkylation of Ehrlich's aldehyde

Abstract

4-(Dimethylamino)benzaldehyde is alkylated at the N atom by dialkyl sulfates, MeI, or Me3O BF4. In contrast, ethylation by Et3O BF4 occurs selectively at the O atom yielding a quinoid iminium ion. 4-(Diethylamino)benzaldehyde is alkylated only at O by either Et or Me oxonium reagent. The iminium salts are prone to hydrolysis giving the corresponding hydrotetrafluoroborates. Five crystal structures were determined. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.