A convenient way for alkylation of amines using xanthate esters

N-alkylation of amines by the reaction with xanthate esters in the presence of acetic acid catalyst in ethanol is reported. Short reaction time, high yield, general applicability and environmentally benign nature are the noteworthy features of our protocol. The probable mechanism for the formation N-alkylation of amines is proposed.

Automated summary

The N-alkylation of amines by the reaction with xanthate esters in the presence of acetic acid catalyst in ethanol is efficient, environmentally friendly, and a general approach. A probable mechanism for the N-alkylation of amines is proposed in the study.