Quaternary ammonium salts were used as ethylene source for the direct ethylation of benzylic amines. Simple Hofmann elimination delivers the olefin in situ avoiding the need for gaseous reagents and autoclave technology. The alkylation takes place under rhodium catalysis, requiring inert atmosphere, with exclusive selectivity for the C(sp3)-H bond.
BEAS funding available to help businesses cut energy costs
And not a moment too soon, if the following exchange broadcast last Friday 13th June, on the Radio 4 ´Rare Earth´ program (link below, ~ 17 minutes...