Re-entry of tin in N-alkylation: first example of a homogeneous heterobimetallic Pd-Sn catalyst for base and additive free alkylation of amine and surrogates with alcohol

The N-alkylation of amines, and amides with benzyl alcohols is catalyzed by bimetallic catalyst [Pd(COD) (SnCl3)Cl] in o-xylene. The reaction does not require additional base, additive or ligand, and is insensitive toward air and moisture and involves minimal work-up. These features make the reaction attractive, simple, and practical. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.