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 < Y < Sm for metals and 2,6-(Me)₂C₆H₃O < 2,6-(ⁱPr)₂C₆H₃O < 2,6-(^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.