Direct Synthesis of Imines from Alcohols and Amines with Liberation of H₂

A clean sweep: Aryl and aliphatic imines can be synthesized directly and efficiently from alcohols and amines under mild, neutral conditions with the liberation of only molecular hydrogen and water (see scheme; R=isopropyl, tert-butyl). This general, environmentally benign reaction is catalyzed by a de-aromatized ruthenium PNP pincer complex (0.2 mol %), and can proceed in toluene under an inert atmosphere or under air.