Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative C(3)–H Functionalization of Amines

Fe-catalyzed direct dehydrogenative C(3)-functionalization of tertiary arylamines was developed via activation of the sp³ C(3)–H bond. The reaction is applicable to both cyclic and acyclic amines. The key process is the catalytic desaturative enamine formation from tertiary amines and position-selective C–C bond formation (addition to nitro olefins) at the β-carbon. Products can be converted to versatile and unique nitrogen-containing molecules