Alkylation of amines with alcohols catalyzed by palladium nanoparticles

Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) generated in situ from the complex [(dippe)PdMe2] were used as efficient catalyst for the alkylation of amines by aliphatic alcohols using neat conditions, under hydrogen atmosphere. On using short chain alcohols, the reaction resulted in the generation of dialkylated and tri-alkylated amines in high yields (>80%). The use of bulky alcohols allowed the production of mono-alkylated products, also in high yield. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.