Iron-Catalyzed Direct Alkylamination of Phenols with O-Benzoyl-N-alkylhydroxylamines under Mild Conditions

A novel iron-catalyzed direct alkylamination reaction of phenols has been achieved with O-benzoyl-N-alkylhydroxylamines as aminating agents. This protocol provides a facile access to N-alkyl-substituted aminophenols though a radical reaction from phenols. The catalytic direct alkylamination operates at room temperature without the need of any ligands and additives to afford the desired products with excellent regioselectivity and functional group tolerance.