A Microwave-Assisted SmI-Catalyzed Direct N-Alkylation of Anilines with Alcohols.

A new protocol for the alkylation of aromatic amines has been described using alcohols in the presence of SmI as a catalyst with the generation of water as the sole byproduct. The reaction proceeds under MW conditions and selectively generates monoalkylated amines. This protocol features a broad substrate scope and good functional-group tolerance with moderate to high yields.