A mild and catalyst-free aromatization using dihydroxylcyclohexanone derivatives as phenyl sources: a new approach to anilines

A new and efficient protocol for the preparation of N-substituted anilines via an aromatization reaction was developed. 3,5-Dihydroxylcyclohexanone derivatives were used as the sources of the phenyl group and reacted smoothly with primary or secondary amines under mild conditions in the absence of metal catalyst and strong base. A variety of N-substituted anilines were prepared by this method with excellent yields up to 99%. The results indicate that this reaction begins with a nucleophilic addition.