An efficient and operationally convenient general synthesis of tertiary amines by direct alkylation of secondary amines with alkyl halides in the presence of Huenig’s base

A general method for the direct formation of tertiary amines via direct N-alkylation of secondary amines by alkyl halides in acetonitrile in the presence of Hunig's base is reported.In contrast to methods previously reported in the literature, this procedure is highly functional group tolerant and employs operationally convenient conditions in the absence of transition metal catalysts or solid supports and without formation of the undesired quaternary ammonium salt.