A nanoscale iron catalyst for heterogeneous direct N- and C-alkylations of anilines and ketones using alcohols under hydrogen autotransfer conditions.

Here, we report a commercially available nanoscale Fe catalyst for heterogeneous direct N- and C-alkylation reactions of anilines and methyl ketones with alcohols. A hydrogen autotransfer mechanism has been found to operate in these reactions by deuterium labelling studies. In addition, dehydrogenative quinoline synthesis has been demonstrated from amino benzyl alcohols and acetophenones.