Ph3P/I2-mediated synthesis of N,N′-disubstituted and N,N,N′-trisubstituted amidines

Abstract

A convenient one-pot protocol for the synthesis of N,N′-disubstituted and N,N,N′-trisubstituted amidines is reported. In the presence of the Ph3P–I2/Et3N system, a variety of secondary amides were smoothly reacted with primary or secondary amines to afford the corresponding amidines in good to excellent yields under mild conditions.