No abstract

The reduction of urethans with lithium aluminum hydride has not been reported but appears to be a promising method of synthesis of amines of unusual structure. Successful reductions of amides of fatty acids to amines have already been obtained (1). The use of urethans is of interest from two standpoints: first, urethans can usually be prepared more easily than formamides as intermediates SUMMARY The reduction of urethans with lithium aluminum hydride is an excellent method of synthesis of methylamines in yields of 80 % or better. No evidence of unalkylated amine could be found in the reduction products.Cleveland 6, Ohio