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.
Comment: Engineers must adapt to AI or fall behind
A fascinating piece and nice to see a broad discussion beyond GenAI and the hype bandwagon. AI (all flavours) like many things invented or used by...