Among different methods, the N-alkylation of amides with alcohols constitutes an attractive process for their synthesis because alcohol is readily available, and water is generated as the sole byproduct.

What reacts with amides?

Amides can be hydrolyzed into a carboxylic acid and ammonia or an amine by heating in an acidic or basic aqueous solution. In both cases, acid-base reactions occurring with the products make the overall reaction irreversible.

Does alcohol react with amine?

During the catalytic cycle, an alcohol is dehydrogenated to the corresponding carbonyl compound, which reacts with the amine to form an imine. The imine is in situ reduced to the alkylated amine and the metal complex facilitates the required hydrogen shuttling.