Sulfated tungstate catalyzed selective N-monoalkylation of primary amines with alcohol

We have developed an environmentally benign protocol for N-monoalkylation of primary amines with alcohols using sulfated tungstate as heterogeneous catalyst. Elimination of formation of overalkylated amines as by-products, use of alcohols as alkylating agent has resulted in high atom-economy transformation. In addition efficient, mild reaction conditions, easy product isolation and reusability of the catalyst are attractive features. The developed protocol has been successfully applied for N-monoalkylation of aromatic as well aliphatic amines with different alcohols. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.