Iridium-Catalyzed Selective α-Alkylation of Unactivated Amides with Primary Alcohols

The first a-alkylation of unactivated amides with primary alcohols is described. An effective and robust iridium pincer complex has been developed for selective alpha-alkylation of tertiary and secondary acetamides involving a borrowing hydrogen methodology. The method is compatible with alcohols bearing various functional groups. This presents a convenient and environmentally benign protocol for alpha-alkylation of amides.