Reductive amination with 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine borane

We report a new amine borane, 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridirie borane complex (PEMB) useful for reductive aminations of ketones and aldehydes in methanol or neat. Two of the three hydrides on PEMB are effectively utilized maximizing the economy of the reagent. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.