Catalytic C(sp3)-H Arylation of Free Primary Amines with an exo Directing Group Generated In Situ

Herein, we report the palladium-catalyzed direct arylation of unactivated aliphatic C-H bonds in free primary amines. This method takes advantage of an exo-imine-type directing group (DG) that can be generated and removed in situ. A range of unprotected aliphatic amines are suitable substrates, undergoing site-selective arylation at the g-position. Methyl as well as cyclic and acyclic methylene groups can be activated. Furthermore, when aniline-derived substrates were used, preliminary success with delta-C-H arylation was achieved. The feasibility of using the DG component in a catalytic fashion was also demonstrated.