Copper-catalysed regioselective azidation of arenes by C–H activation directed by pyridine

Abstract

A novel and efficient copper-catalysed pyridine directed ortho-azidation of arenes has been developed using safe and stable benzotriazole sulphonyl azide as the azidating agent. A variety of organo azides have been synthesized with electron donor and withdrawing groups, thereby the azide products can be easily transformed into assorted functionalities.