Direct Synthesis of Unprotected Indolines Through Intramolecular sp(3) C-H Amination Using Nitroarenes as Aryl Nitrene Precursors

Given the prevalence of molecules containing nitro groups in organic synthesis, innovative methods to expand the reactivity of this functional group are of interest in both industrial and academic settings. In this report, a metal-free intramolecular benzylic sp(3) C-H amination is disclosed using aryl nitro compounds as aryl nitrene precursors. Organosilicon reagent N,N'-bis(trimethylsilyl)-4,4'-bipyridinylidene (Si-DHBP) served as an efficient reductant in the transformation, enabling the in situ generation of aryl nitrene species for the direct, metal-free synthesis of unprotected 2-arylindolines from the corresponding nitroarene compounds.

Automated summary

In this study, a metal-free intramolecular benzylic sp(3) C-H amination using aryl nitro compounds as aryl nitrene precursors was disclosed. The organosilicon reagent N,N'-bis(trimethylsilyl)-4,4'-bipyridinylidene (Si-DHBP) served as an efficient reductant, enabling the in-situ generation of aryl nitrene species for the direct and metal-free synthesis of unprotected 2-arylindolines from the corresponding nitroarene compounds.