Cu(II) carboxylate arene C─H functionalization: Tuning for nonradical pathways

We report carbon-hydrogen acetoxylation of nondirected arenes benzene and toluene, as well as related functionalization with pivalate and 2-ethylhexanoate ester groups, using simple copper(II) [Cu(II)] salts with over 80% yield. By changing the ratio of benzene and Cu(II) salts, 2.4% conversion of benzene can be reached. Combined experimental and computational studies results indicate that the arene carbon-hydrogen functionalization likely occurs by a nonradical Cu(II)-mediated organometallic pathway. The Cu(II) salts used in the reaction can be isolated, recycled, and reused with little change in reactivity. In addition, the Cu(II) salts can be regenerated in situ using oxygen and, after the removal of the generated water, the arene carbon-hydrogen acetoxylation and related esterification reactions can be continued, which leads to a process that enables recycling of Cu(II).

Direct catalytic oxyamination of benzene to aniline over Cu(II) nanoclusters supported on CuCr2O4 spinel nanoparticles via simultaneous activation of C-H and N-H bonds

We report the facile synthesis of a highly efficient, reusable catalyst comprising Cu(II) nanoclusters supported on CuCr2O4 spinel nanoparticles for the oxyamination of benzene to aniline (H2O2 + NH3) under mild aqueous reaction conditions. The synergy between the Cu(II) nanoclusters and CuCr2O4 spinel nanoparticles plays the most vital role towards its high catalytic activity.

CuI/BF3·Et2O cocatalyzed aerobic dehydrogenative reactions of ketones with benzylamines: facile synthesis of substituted imidazoles

A novel CuI/BF(3)·Et(2)O/O(2)-mediated reaction utilizing ketones and benzylamines for the construction of substituted imidazoles in one step under mild conditions has been demonstrated. This protocol involved the removal of eight hydrogen atoms, the functionalization of four C(sp(3))-H bonds and three new C-N bond formations.

Recent advances in copper-catalyzed dehydrogenative functionalization via a single electron transfer (SET) process

Copper salts have been developed as versatile catalysts for oxidative coupling reactions in organic synthesis. During these processes, Cu-catalysts are often proposed to serve as a one-electron oxidant to promote the single-electron transfer process. Recently, the transition-metal catalyzed direct dehydrogenative transformation has attracted considerable attention. This tutorial review summarizes the recent advances in the copper-catalyzed dehydrogenative functionalization via a single electron transfer (SET) process achieving C-C, C-N, C-O, C-halogen atoms, C-P, and N-N bond formation.