Cobalt(II)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Benzylic C−H Amination with 2,2,2-Trichloroethoxycarbonyl Azide (TrocN₃)

Abstract

2,2,2-Trichloroethoxycarbonyl azide (TrocN3) is an effective nitrene source for cobalt(II)-catalyzed intermolecular nitrene insertion of C−H bonds. Among different metalloporphyrins studied, Co(II)(TPP) was shown to be a competent catalyst for the selective amination of various benzylic C−H bonds under mild conditions without the need of other reagents or additives, forming the desired Troc-protected amines in moderate to high yields with nitrogen gas as the only byproduct.