Redox-Neutral α-C-H Bond Functionalization of Secondary Amines with Concurrent C-P Bond Formation/N-Alkylation

Redox-neutral formation of C-P bonds in the alpha-position of amines was achieved via a process that features a combination of an oxidative alpha-C-H bond functionalization and a reductive N-alkylation. Benzoic acid functions as an efficient catalyst in this three-component reaction of cyclic secondary amines, aldehydes and phosphine oxides to provide rapid access to alpha-amino phosphine oxides not easily accessible by classic Kabachnik-Fields reactions.