Selective monomethylation of anilines by Cu(OAc)2-promoted cross-coupling with MeB(OH)2.

N-Methylanilines are readily synthesized in high yields through the copper(II)-promoted coupling of anilines and methylboronic acid. This method represents a new approach for the selective monomethylation of anilines, and it is the first reported example of a Chan-Lam coupling involving the use of methylboronic acid. An incubation period of the substrate with the copper reagent is needed before addition of the methylboronic acid.