Facile preparation of N-methyl secondary amines by titanium(IV) isopropoxide-mediated reductive amination of carbonyl compounds

A simple, mild and efficient procedure for obtaining N-methyl secondary amines from aldehydes and ketones is reported. Treatment of carbonyl compounds with methylamine hydrochloride, triethylamine and titanium(IV) isopropoxide, followed by in situ sodium borohydride reduction and straightforward aqueous work-up, affords clean products in good to excellent yields.