An efficient strategy for formation of C-N bond by benzyl chloride over nano α-Fe₂O₃

Nano α-Fe2O3was prepared using PEG-400 as dispersant by a simple sol-gel method, as proved by XRD, SEM, TEM and ICP-MS. The α-Fe2O3was demonstrated to be an efficient catalyst for N-benzylation of aliphatic and aromatic amines with benzyl chloride and benzyl bromide in 8% Na2CO3aqueous solution, achieving ca.100% conversions and >82% selectivity to monosubstituted products for aromatic amines and higher selectivity to disubstituted products for aliphatic amines at 50–80 °C and reaction time 1–3 h. The catalyst was easily recovered and reused effectively three runs without a significant loss of catalytic activity.