摘要

A novel and simple method for the N-alkylation of amines with different ethers as alkylating reagents has been developed, using cheap gamma-Al2O3 as the catalyst at atmospheric pressure in the temperature range of 260-320A degrees C. For example, the reaction of equimolar amounts of morpholine and diethyl ether gave N-ethylmorpholine quantitatively. The present catalytic system is applicable to the N-alkylation of both primary and secondary amines. Since only water is generated as byproduct, the protocol proved to be eco-friendly and atom-economic.