A highly active Mn(I) catalyst based on a nonsymmetric PN 3 -ligand scaffold for the N-alkylation of amines with alcohols utilizing the borrowing hydrogen methodology is reported. A broad range of anilines and the more challenging aliphatic amines were alkylated with primary and secondary alcohols. Moreover, the combination of low catalyst loadings and mild reaction conditions provides high efficiency for this atom-economic transformation.Letter pubs.acs.org/OrgLett

A straightforward and selective synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines starting from 2-aminobenzyl alcohols and simple secondary alcohols is reported. This one-pot cascade reaction is based on the borrowing hydrogen methodology promoted by a manganese(I) PN 3 pincer complex. The reaction selectively leads to 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines thanks to a targeted choice of base. This strategy provides an atom-efficient pathway with water as the only byproduct. In addition, no further reducing agents are required.