Heterobimetallic Lanthanide/Sodium Phenoxides: Efficient Catalysts for Amidation of Aldehydes with Amines

Abstract

Heterobimetallic lanthanide/sodium phenoxides were found to be efficient catalysts for amidation of aldehydes with amines under mild conditions. The reactivity follows the order Nd 2C6H3O iPr)2C6H3O tBu)2C6H3O for phenoxide groups. In comparison with the corresponding monometallic complexes, heterobimetallic complexes show higher activity and a wider range of scope of amines. A cooperation of lanthanide and sodium in this process is proposed to contribute to the high activity of the present catalyst