Dimethylacetamide-stabilized ruthenium nanoparticles for catalysing α-alkylations of amides with alcohols.

α-Alkylation reactions between amides and alcohols, with dimethylacetamide-stabilized Ru nanoparticles (NPs) as the catalyst, were investigated. The reactions proceeded with low catalyst loadings compared to metal complexes. Characterizations of the Ru NPs were performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and various techniques. Control experiments revealed the reaction mechanisms, which proceeded via hydrogen autotransfer with alcohols.