Cp*Ir complex-catalyzed N-heterocyclization of primary amines with diols:: A new catalytic system for environmentally benign synthesis of cyclic amines

A new efficient method for the N-heterocyclization of primary amines with diols catalyzed by a Cp*Ir complex was developed. A variety of five-, six-, and seven-membered cyclic amines were synthesized in good to excellent yields with the formation of only water as a byproduct. A two-step asymmetric synthesis of (S)-2-phenylpiperidine was also achieved using (R)-1-phenylethylamine as a starting primary amine.