Convenient synthesis of alkyl amines via the reaction of organoboranes with ammonium hydroxide

A process for the preparation of alkyl amines in which the reagents are generated in situ under mild and convenient reaction conditions is described. An organoborane is prepared via hydroboration, aqueous ammonium hydroxide is added, and then aqueous sodium hypochlorite is added to the mixture. Two of the alkyl groups in the trialkylborane are converted to the corresponding amines in good yield. (BLM)