Switchable Imine and Amine Synthesis Catalyzed by a Well-Defined Cobalt Complex

Switchable imine and amine synthesis catalyzed by a tripodal ligand-supported well-defined cobalt complex is presented herein. A large variety of primary alcohols and amines were selectively converted to imines or amines in good to excellent yields. It is discovered that the base plays a crucial role on the selectivity. A catalytic amount of base leads to the imine formation, while an excess loading of base results in the amine product. This strategy on product selectivity also strongly depends on the organometallic catalysts in use. We expect that the present study could provide useful insights toward selective organic synthesis and catalyst design.