Convenient Continuous Flow Synthesis of N-Methyl Secondary Amines from Alkyl Mesylates and Epoxides

The first continuous flow process was developed to synthesize N-methyl secondary amines from alkyl mesylates and epoxides via a nucleophilic substitution using aqueous methylamine. A variety of N-methyl secondary amines were produced in good to excellent yields, including a number of bioactive compounds, or their precursors. Up to 10.6 g (88% yield) of a N-methyl secondary amine was produced in 140 min process time. The amination procedure included an in-line workup, and the starting mesylate material was also produced in continuous flow from the corresponding alcohol. Finally, an in-line process combining the mesylate synthesis and nucleophilic substitution was developed.

• Gary Mathieu
• Heena Patel
• Hélène Lebel

• Department of Chemistry and Center in Green Chemistry and Catalysis (CGCC), Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Station, Downtown, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada

• Request a Brochure
• Request more Info
• Request a Quote