Copper-catalyzed oxidative benzylic C(sp3)–H amination: direct synthesis of benzylic carbamates

Abstract

A new efficient strategy to access benzylic carbamates through C–H activation is reported. The use of a catalytic amount of a Cu(I)/diimine ligand in combination with NFSI ((PhSO₂)₂NF) or F-TEDA-PF₆ as oxidants and H₂NCO₂R as an amine source directly leads to the C–N bond formation at the benzylic position. The mild reaction conditions and the broad substrate scope make this transformation a useful method for the late-stage incorporation of a ubiquitous carbamate fragment onto hydrocarbons.