N-Alkylation of amines with alcohols over nanosized zeolite beta

Abstract

Direct N-alkylation of amines with alcohols was successfully performed by using nanosized zeolite beta, which showed the highest catalytic activity among other conventional zeolites. This method has several advantages, such as eco-friendliness, moderate to high yields, and simple work-up procedure. The catalyst was successfully recovered and reused without significant loss of activity and only water is produced as co-product. In addition, imines were also efficiently prepared from the tandem reactions of amines with 2-, 3- and 4-nitrobenzyl alcohols using nanosized zeolite beta.