Cobalt(II)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Benzylic C-H Amination with 2,2,2-Trichloroethoxycarbonyl Azide (TrocN3)

2,2,2-Trichloroethoxycarbonyl azide (TrocN(3)) is an effective nitrene Source for cobalt(II)-catalyzed intermolecular nitrene insertion of C-H bonds. Among different metalloporphyrins studied, Co(II)(TPP) was shown to be a competent catalyst for the selective amination of various benzylic C-H bonds under mild conditions Without the need of other reagents or additives, forming the desired Troc-protected amines in moderate to high yields with nitrogen gas as the only byproduct.