One-pot α-ferrocenylalkylation of amines and alcohols with α-ferrocenyl substituted alcohols under acid-free conditions

Abstract One-pot reaction of FcCH(R)OH with equimolar quantities of Bu n Li and EtOCOCl followed by an excess of amine produces N -( α -ferrocenylalkyl)amines in up to 98% yields. Nitrogen heteroaryl amines undergo the α -ferrocenylalkylation at the amino group. The α -ferrocenylalkylation of alcohols and phenols (R’OH) leads to a formation of ethers FcCH(R)OR′ in lower yields. The reactions proceed via an intermediate formation of α -ferrocenylalkyl carbonates FcCH(R)OCOOEt. The side reactions associated with this protocol are discussed.