Modular Synthesis of α-Aryl-α-Heteroaryl α-Amino Acid Derivatives via a Copper-Catalyzed Cross-Dehydrogenative-Coupling Reaction Using Air as the Sole Oxidant

A novel copper-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative-coupling (CDC) process of arylglycine derivatives with N-heteroarenes for the straightforward synthesis of alpha-aryl-alpha-heteroaryl alpha-amino acid scaffolds has been successfully developed. This protocol exhibits a broad substrate scope with good functional group compatibility by utilizing air as the sole oxidant. The use of the reaction is also displayed through the late-stage functionalization of arylglycines bearing natural compounds or drug motifs.

Automated summary

A novel copper-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative-coupling (CDC) process has been developed for the straightforward synthesis of alpha-aryl-alpha-heteroaryl alpha-amino acid scaffolds using arylglycine derivatives and N-heteroarenes. This protocol demonstrates a wide substrate scope and good functional group compatibility by utilizing air as the sole oxidant. The reaction also allows for late-stage functionalization of arylglycines bearing natural compounds or drug motifs.