Efficient Synthesis of N-Substituted Amines

To a solution of K₂CO₃ (10 mmol) and secondary amines 1a or 1b (5 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added ethyl bromoacetate (7.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h and the reaction progress was monitored by Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) utilizing n-hexane:ethyl acetate (1:2). After completion reaction, the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (20 mL), washed twice with water (20 mL) to remove DMF, and washed with brine. The collected organic layers were extracted and dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to afford the product as colorless oil in high yields (80–95%).