A new synthetic route to p-methoxy-2,6-disubstituted anilines and their conversion into N-heterocyclic carbene precursors

The development of new N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) is a key feature in this now mainstream research area to access novel chemical properties and reactivity that are essential for the discovery of original applications. Up to now, only a few reliable methods have proven suitable for the preparation of methoxylated anilines to ultimately access methoxylated NHC. We are pleased to report here a straightforward and scalable approach to address this matter.