Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by a ONN -Bismuth(III) Complex

We are disclosing here a heavier main group Bi(III) pincer complex for the acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of primary amines to form selectively secondary aldimines. Dehydrogenative cross-annulation of ortho-substituted anilines and primary amines was also explored, furnishing benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives. The reactions are promoted by complex [Bi(ONN)Cl2]2 ONN = (2-(((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino)methyl)quinolin-8-ol) in the absence of additives, base, or oxidant, generating NH3 and H2 as sole byproducts.