Mild and Efficient Reductive N,N-Dimethylation of Amines by Using 1,3-Dimethylimidazole-2-ylidene Borane (diMe-Imd-BH3)

Abstract

Herein, we report a new, simple, one pot and chemoselective method for N-methylation and N,N-dimethylation of aliphatic and aromatic amines under ambient conditions using NHC-borane i.e 1,3-dimethylimidazole-2-ylidene borane (diMe-Imd-BH3), as reducing agent. The present strategy has significant advantages like mild reaction conditions, quick and effortless work-up processes, and the use of non-toxic inexpensive reagents. The amines with acid-sensitive moieties are also methylated successfully.