Direct sp3 C-H bond activation adjacent to nitrogen in heterocycles

Activation of sp(3) C - H bonds adjacent to nitrogen in heterocycles is an attractive transformation that is emerging as a practical method in organic synthesis. This tutorial review aims to summarize the key examples of direct functionalization of nitrogen-containing heterocycles via metalmediated and metal-catalyzed processes, which is meant to serve as a foundation for future investigations into this rapidly developing area of research. The review covers functionalization of N-heterocycles via alpha-lithiation with alkyllithium/diamine complexes, alpha-amino radical formation, metal-catalyzed direct C - H activation, C - H oxidations and oxidative couplings, and metalcatalyzed carbene insertions.