Copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling of benzylic C-H bonds with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds

A copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling of benzylic C-H bonds with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds is described. The reaction utilizes an inexpensive copper catalyst - oxidant system that is suitable for the coupling of a range of benzylic C-H bonds with various 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. Kinetic isotope studies support a mechanism involving a benzylic hydrogen abstraction.