Photoexcited Direct Amination/Amidation of Inert Csp3-H Bonds via Tungsten-Nickel Catalytic Relay

Light alkanes are the most abundant resources in nature. It is of great significance to develop convenient methods to realize the conversion of alkanes to high value-added products.However, the examples of aliphatic amines derived from unactivated alkanes remain rare. This work describes a rapid construction of C(sp(3))-N bonds from light alkanes with amine/amide electrophile reagents via high-valent tungsten and nickel catalysis in high efficiency. The photoexcited metal relay provides a powerful tool for the activation of inert sp(3)-hybridized C-H bonds and stabilization of C-Ni(III)-N intermediates.

Automated summary

This study presents a convenient method for the conversion of light alkanes to high value-added products by utilizing high-valent tungsten and nickel catalysis. The use of photoexcited metal relay enables the activation of inert C-H bonds and stabilization of intermediates, leading to the rapid construction of C(sp(3))-N bonds.