A facile sp 3 C–H bonds amidation of N , N -dimethylanilines by a novel ionic iron(III) complex containing an imino-functionalized imidazolium cation

Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative Amination of Benzylic C(sp3)-H Bonds with Anilines

Iron-catalyzed oxidative amination of benzylic C(sp³)-H bonds with anilines bearing electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) or electron-donating groups (EDGs) is realized based on simple variations of N-substituents on imidazolium cations in novel ionic Fe(III) complexes. The structural modification of the imidazolium cation resulted in regulation of the redox potential and the catalytic performance of the iron metal center. Using DTBP as oxidant, [HItBu][FeBr₄] showed the highest catalytic activity for anilines bearing EWGs, while [HIPym][FeBr₄] was more efficient for EDG-substituted anilines. This work provides alternative access to benzylamines with the advantages of both a wide substrate scope and iron catalysis.

Electrochemical Oxidative C(sp3 )-H/N-H Cross-Coupling for N-Mannich Bases with Hydrogen Evolution

N-Mannich bases are an important structure in various functional molecules. A new protocol to synthesize N-Mannich bases was established through electrochemical external-oxidant-free C(sp³ )-H/N-H cross-coupling with hydrogen evolution. Various N-methylanilines were explored in this transformation. Moreover, simple amides, heteroatom-containing amides, and succinimides were well tolerated in moderate-to-good yields. In addition, the electrochemical dehydrogenative C(sp³ )-H/N-H cross-coupling could be scaled up to 5 mmol. By using triethyl phosphite as trapping agent, the phosphorylation product was detected. At the same time, kinetic isotope effect experiments showed that the cleavage of the C-H bond is the rate-limiting step.

Cu(i)-Catalyzed amidation/imidation of N-arylglycine ester derivatives via C–N coupling under mild conditions

A copper-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative amidation/imidation of N-arylglycine ester derivatives with benzamides, aromatic heterocyclic amides (oxindole, isatins), acyclic and cyclic amides (lactams) and imides (phthalimide, succinimide) under aerobic conditions has been developed.

Oxidative C(sp3)–H amidation of tertiary arylamines with nitriles

The first amidation of tertiary arylamines with nitriles via a cascade dehydrogenation/heterocoupling/addition reaction has been developed.