A catalytic synthesis of dialkylamines from alkylamines using neopentyl-substituted PNP pincer–iridium complex

A combination of neopentyl-substituted PNP–iridium complex 2 and NaH could catalyze dimerization of alkylamines to form dialkylamines with the highest activity ever reported. Primary and secondary alkylamines were applicable to the present catalytic reaction. Several mechanistic studies suggested a plausible catalytic cycle. The high activity of catalyst 2 may come from the role of neopentyl groups to make a space around the metal center.