Copper-catalyzed α-C–H amidation of simple ethers through C(sp3)–H/N–H cross dehydrogenative coupling

Abstract

An efficient copper-catalyzed α-C–H amidation of simple ethers with N-(8-quinolyl)amides through C(sp³)–H/N–H cross dehydrogenative coupling was developed. Chelation assistance was employed for the formation of an active copper amide species which can couple with the α-carbon-centered radical generated from simple ethers. This method was applicable to both alkyl and aryl amides as well as various cyclic and acyclic ethers. It also possessed the merit of air and moisture tolerance.