Copper-Catalyzed Amination of Congested and Functionalized α-Bromocarboxamides with either Amines or Ammonia at Room Temperature

Abstract

There are several reports on the synthesis of alkylamines, but most of the reported methods are not suitable for the synthesis of hindered amines. In this research, we found that a copper catalyst is effective for the formation of congested C-N bonds at room temperature. Control experiments revealed that a copper amide is a key intermediate. Moreover, when a chiral amine was used, a quaternary carbon stereogenic center was created with good selectivity.

Keywords: alkylation; amide; amination; copper; reaction mechanisms.