CpIr complex-catalyzed N-heterocyclization of primary amines with diols: a new catalytic system for environmentally benign synthesis of cyclic amines.

[reaction: see text] A new efficient method for the N-heterocyclization of primary amines with diols catalyzed by a CpIr complex was developed. A variety of five-, six-, and seven-membered cyclic amines were synthesized in good to excellent yields with the formation of only water as a byproduct. A two-step asymmetric synthesis of (S)-2-phenylpiperidine was also achieved using (R)-1-phenylethylamine as a starting primary amine.