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 rapid method for constructing C(sp(3))-N bonds from light alkanes using high-valent tungsten and nickel catalysts with amine/amide electrophile reagents. The photoexcited metal relay serves as a powerful tool for activating inert sp(3)-hybridized C-H bonds and stabilizing C-Ni(III)-N intermediates.