N-monomethylation of primary amines via intermediate benzothiazol-2(3H)-imines

Abstract

Aliphatic and aromatic amines are converted by successive treatment with (i) 3-methyl-2-methylthiobenzothiazolium iodide, (ii) methyl iodide or toluene-p-sulphonate, and (iii) butylamine, in high yield under mild conditions into their mono-N-methyl derivatives.