One-Pot Synthesis of Alpha-Diimines from Alkylammonium Salts

A one-pot synthesis of alkyl-containing diazabutadienes from primary alkylamine-HCl salts is presented. This synthesis avoids halogenated solvents, and the need for a separate free-basing step for commercially available or synthesized amine-HCl salts. Since amine HCl salts are conveniently handled, and diazabutadienes are commonly used as either ligands, or precursors for heterocycles including N-heterocyclic carbenes and diazaphospholenes, this route will be of convenience to many researchers in multiple areas of catalysis.