Deaminative meta-C-H alkylation by ruthenium(ii) catalysis

Precise structural modifications of amino acids are of importance to tune biological properties or modify therapeutical capabilities relevant to drug discovery. Herein, we report a ruthenium-catalyzed meta-C-H deaminative alkylation with easily accessible amino acid-derived Katritzky pyridinium salts. Likewise, remote C-H benzylations were accomplished with high levels of chemoselectivity and remarkable functional group tolerance. The meta-C-H activation approach combined with our deaminative strategy represents a rare example of selectively converting C(sp(3))-N bonds into C(sp(3))-C(sp(2)) bonds.

Automated summary

The study reported a ruthenium-catalyzed meta-C-H deaminative alkylation using easily accessible amino acid-derived Katritzky pyridinium salts, as well as remote C-H benzylations with high levels of chemoselectivity and remarkable functional group tolerance. This method, combining meta-C-H activation with deaminative strategy, represents a rare example of selectively converting C(sp(3))-N bonds into C(sp(3))-C(sp(2)) bonds.