Ironing it out: The straightforward N‐alkylation using alcohols and iron/amino acid catalysis is described (see scheme). The reaction does not proceed by the conventional “borrowing hydrogen” mechanism, but appears to involve a substitution pathway (SN) at the sp3 carbon atom bearing the hydroxy group of the alcohol. Developing a catalyst that is effective at a near neutral pH was key to the successful N‐alkylation.

No abstract

Ironing it out: The straightforward N‐alkylation using alcohols and iron/amino acid catalysis is described (see scheme). The reaction does not proceed by the conventional “borrowing hydrogen” mechanism, but appears to involve a substitution pathway (SN) at the sp3 carbon atom bearing the hydroxy group of the alcohol. Developing a catalyst that is effective at a near neutral pH was key to the successful N‐alkylation.

No abstract

Herein, catalytic fluoride (F À ) is demonstrated to be a trigger for dehydrative immobilization of atmospheric pressure CO 2 , such that reaction of CO 2 with b-amino alcohols derived from natural amino acids gives optically pure oxazolidinones in high yields. A synergistic combination of fluoride and organosilicon agents (e.g., Bu 4 NF + Ph 3 SiF or siloxanes) enhances the catalytic activity and functional group compatibility. This system lies at the interface between homogenous and heterogeneous catalysis, and may prove useful for the development of recoverable/reusable siloxane-based CO 2 immobilization materials.