| Abstract: | An efficient and environmentally benign catalytic system for the synthesis of various organic amines catalyzed by the water‐soluble and air‐stable (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)‐iridium‐ammine iod‐ ide complex, [Cp*Ir(NH3)3][I]2 (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), has been developed. A wide variety of secondary and tertiary amines were synthesized by the N‐alkylation reactions of theoretical equivalents of amines with alcohols in water under air without a base. The synthesis of cyclic amines was also achieved by the N‐alkylation of benzylamine with diols. Furthermore, the recycle use of the present water‐soluble Cp*Ir catalyst was accomplished. |
