Abstract: A modified Bouveault reaction1 for the efficient synthesis of a, a-dimethylamines from the corresponding amides is described. Thus, pretreatment of the amide with zirconium or titanium tetrachloride followed by reaction with an excess of methylmagnesium bromide furnishes the desired a, a-dimethylamines in moderate to good yields. Key words: α, α- dimethylamine, amide, methylmagnesium bromide, zirconium tetrachloride, titanium ...
