General and efficient method for direct N-monomethylation of aromatic primary amines with methanol

The direct N-monomethylation of aromatic primary amines, including arylamines, arylsulfonamides and amino-azoles, using methanol as a methylating agent has been accomplished in the presence of a [Cp*IrCl2](2)/NaOH system. From both synthetic and environmental points of view, the reaction is highly attractive because of low catalyst loading, broad substrate scope and excellent selectivities.