Copper-catalyzed monoselective C-H amination of ferrocenes with alkylamines

A copper-catalyzed mono-selective C-H amination of ferrocenes assisted by 8-aminoquinoline is presented here. A range of amines, including bioactive molecules, were successfully installed to the ortho-position of ferrocene amides with high efficiency under mild conditions. A range of functionalized ferrocenes were compatible to give the aminated products in moderate to good yields. The gram-scale reaction was smoothly conducted and the directing group could be removed easily under basic conditions.

Automated summary

In this study, a copper-catalyzed mono-selective C-H amination of ferrocenes assisted by 8-aminoquinoline was successfully demonstrated, allowing for efficient installation of a range of amines to the ortho-position of ferrocene amides under mild conditions. The gram-scale reaction proceeded smoothly, and the directing group could be easily removed under basic conditions.