Iminium Salts by Meerwein Alkylation of Ehrlich’s Aldehyde

Abstract

4-(Dimethylamino)benzaldehyde is alkylated at the N atom by dialkyl sulfates, MeI, or Me3O BF4. In contrast, ethylation by Et3O BF4 occurs selectively at the O atom yielding a quinoid iminium ion. 4-(Diethylamino)benzaldehyde is alkylated only at O by either Et or Me oxonium reagent. The iminium salts are prone to hydrolysis giving the corresponding hydrotetrafluoroborates. Five crystal structures were determined.

Keywords

• alkylation
• Ehrlich’s aldehyde
• iminium salt
• quinoid
• quinone