Metal-, Photocatalyst-, and Light-Free Minisci C-H Alkylation of N-Heteroarenes with Oxalates

Herein, we report a mild protocol for metal-, photocatalyst-, and light-free Minisci C-H alkylation reactions of N-heteroarenes with alkyl oxalates derived from primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols. The protocol uses environmentally benign persulfate as a stoichiometric oxidant and does not require high temperatures or large excesses of either of the substrates, making the procedure suitable for late-stage C-H alkylation of complex molecules. Notably, several pharmaceuticals and natural products could be functionalized or prepared with this protocol, thus demonstrating its utility.