Copper-catalyzed N- and O-alkylation of amines and phenols using alkylborane reagents.

By the reaction of amines with alkylborane reagents in the presence of a catalytic amount of copper(II) acetate Cu(OAc)2 and di-tert-butyl peroxide, a cross-coupling reaction proceeded and alkylated amines were obtained in good to excellent yields. Phenols are also applicable for this reaction, and the corresponding alkyl aryl ethers were produced.