sp3 C-H Bond Activation with Ruthenium(II) Catalysts and C(3)-Alkylation of Cyclic Amines

A selective C(3)-alkylation via activation/functionalization of sp(3) C-H bond of saturated cyclic amines was promoted by (arene)ruthenium(II) complexes featuring a bidentate phosphino-sulfonate ligand upon reaction with aldehydes. This highly regioselective sustainable transformation takes place via initial dehydrogenation of cyclic amines and hydrogen autotransfer processes.