Ruthenium-Catalyzed Cascade N- and C(3)-Dialkylation of Cyclic Amines with Alcohols Involving Hydrogen Autotransfer Processes

An unprecented N- and C(3)-dialkylation of unactivated amines by a cascade reaction via borrowing hydrogen methodology using new (arene) ruthenium(II) complexes featuring phosphinosulfonate ligands is described. This reaction is highly regioselective and produces water as the only side product.