Enhanced Reactivitiestoward Amines by Introducingan Imine Arm to the Pincer Ligand: Direct Coupling of Two Amines ToForm an Imine Without Oxidant.

Dehydrogenative homocoupling of primary alcohols to formestersand coupling of amines to form imines was accomplished using a classof novel pincer ruthenium complexes. The reactivities of the rutheniumpincer complexes for the direct coupling of amines to form imineswere enhanced by introducing an imine arm to the pincer ligand. Selectiveoxidation of benzylamines to imines was achieved using aniline derivativesas the substrate and solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]