Progress in Imine Formation from Direct Coupling of Alcohols and Amines Catalyzed by Metal Catalysts

Abstract

Imines are very important class of compounds and have been widely utilized in fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and chemical industry. The C=N double bond in imine is an important nitrogen source in different types of reactions due to its high reactive activity. Due to its high atom economy, catalytic direct coupling of alcohols and amines to imines based on metal catalysts has attracted much attention and maken great progress in recent years. In this paper, the advances in direct coupling of alcohols and amines to imines catalyzed by metal catalysts are reviewed.