A Metal-Free Approach for BrOnsted Acid Promoted C-H Alkylation of Heteroarenes with Alkyl Peroxides

A metal-free protocol for Minisci C-H alkylation of heteroarenes using alkyl peroxides as the alkylating reagents and internal oxidants simultaneously under promotion of BrOnsted acid has been demonstrated. A series of alkyl substituted heteroarenes were readily prepared by the C-H alkylation in moderate to good yields. A possible pathway involving the addition of alkyl radical to heterocycle followed by rearomatization is described.