Titania Nanoparticle Catalysed N-Alkylation of Amines by Hydrogen Auto-Transfer Mechanisms

Unlike well-defined homogenous metal complex catalysts, no distinct heterogeneous catalysts are available for hydrogen auto-transfer or borrowing hydrogen methodologies. Alternatively, a variety of noble metals, base metals, and bimetallic systems supported on various metal oxides are scrutinized for this purpose, mainly by modulating the ability of metals and supports in a multistep reaction. Herein, we demonstrate that pristine defect-induced titania nanoparticle catalyst is an efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the preparation of N-alkylated products (>90 %) in the absence of expensive hydrogen source, costly ligands, additives, or costly metals under greener conditions. Furthermore, the nano-sized titania catalyst tolerates functional groups with high yields. In addition, the -alkylation of aniline affords the corresponding alkylated products in d yields with long aliphatic alcohols. Finally, the results of the control tests show that a process of Hydrogen Auto transfer is responsible for carrying out the reaction.