The key intermediate in the amination of saturated C-H bonds: synthesis, X-ray characterization and catalytic activity of Ru(TPP)(NAr)(2) (Ar=3,5-(CF3)(2)C6H3)

The complex Ru(TPP)(NAr)(2) inserts a nitrene group into allylic and benzylic C-H bonds and is the key intermediate in the ruthenium porphyrin-catalyzed amination of hydrocarbons by aryl azides.