Oxidative Functionalization of Styrenes: Synthesis of 1,3,5-triazines from Styrenes via Tandem Cyclization with Amidines

This work reports an efficient method for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triazines form styrenes and amidines. The developed methodology was accomplished under transition-metal free and solvent free conditions. Various substituted styrenes and amidines were well tolerated and provided 1,3,5-triazines in good to excellent yields. This is the first time C= N bond formation has been achieved via oxidative functionalization of sp(2) C-H bond in styrene. The reaction progressed through in situ generation of aldehyde.