Direct synthesis of imines from primary alcohols and amines using an active ruthenium(II) NNN–pincer complex

An easy and direct access to ruthenium(II) NNN pincer complex, [RuCO(PPh3)2(NNN)] (NNN = bis(benzimidazole)pyridine) is reported. The formation of imines by coupling of primary alcohols and amines was studied using the title complex under atmospheric air without any additives. The effect of solvent, reaction temperature, time, and catalyst loading was also investigated.