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Updated: May 8, 2026

Protocol for the Synthesis of Ortho-trifluoromethoxylated Aniline Derivatives
Published on: January 19, 2016
Reductive amination of tertiary anilines and aldehydes
Yunhe Lv1, Yiying Zheng, Yan Li
1Department of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China. liy078@nenu.edu.cn zhangq651@nenu.edu.cn.
Researchers developed a novel oxidant-mediated reductive amination using tertiary anilines and aldehydes. This method uniquely employs tertiary anilines as both the nitrogen source and reducing agent, eliminating the need for external reducing agents.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Synthetic Chemistry
Background:
- Reductive amination is a crucial reaction in organic synthesis.
- Traditional methods often require external reducing agents, increasing complexity and cost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel reductive amination method for tertiary anilines and aldehydes.
- To eliminate the need for external reducing agents in this transformation.
Main Methods:
- Oxidant-mediated reaction pathway.
- Nucleophilic attack of carbonyl oxygen onto in situ generated iminium ions.
- Utilizing tertiary anilines as both nitrogen source and reducing agent.
Main Results:
- Successfully achieved reductive amination of tertiary anilines and aldehydes.
- Demonstrated the unique dual role of tertiary anilines as nitrogen source and reductant.
- Eliminated the requirement for external reducing agents.
Conclusions:
- Developed an unprecedented oxidant-mediated reductive amination protocol.
- This method offers a more efficient and sustainable approach to synthesizing amine-containing compounds.
- Highlights the novel application of tertiary anilines in reductive amination reactions.
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