Metal-free C–H amination of arene with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide catalysed by nitroxyl radicals at room temperature

Abstract

A TEMPO-catalysed direct amination of arene through C–H bond cleavage employing N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) as the amination reagent in good to excellent yields with broad arene scope in the absence of any metal, ligand or additive is reported. Unlike previous transition metal-catalysed aminations in which high reaction temperatures are usually necessary, this novel reaction at room temperature is the first example of C–H amination with NFSI that is realised via organocatalysis. The probable mechanism of this concise amination is also proposed.