Metal-Free Oxidative Coupling of Benzylamines to Imines under an Oxygen Atmosphere Promoted Using Salicylic Acid Derivatives as Organocatalysts

ACS Omega. 2016 Nov 4;1(5):799-807. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.6b00235. eCollection 2016 Nov 30.

Abstract

The oxidative coupling of benzylamines proceeds efficiently using salicylic acid derivatives as organocatalysts under an oxygen atmosphere, affording the corresponding N-benzylidenebenzylamines in high yields. Electron-rich salicylic acid derivatives such as 4,6-dimethoxysalicylic acid and 4,6-dihydroxysalicylic acid exhibit excellent catalytic activities for the oxidative coupling of benzylamines to give the corresponding imines. This amine oxidation can also be applied to the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles such as benzimidazole derivatives. Furthermore, to recycle the catalyst, silica gel supported with 4.7 wt % of 4,6-dihydroxysalicylic acid is prepared, which acts as a recyclable catalyst, oxidizing benzylamine to imine four times successfully.