Direct C–N Coupling of Imidazoles and Benzylic Compounds via Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative Activation of C–H Bonds

Abstract

Iron-catalyzed direct C–N bond formation between imidazoles and benzylic hydrocarbons is described. The reaction utilizes an inexpensive iron catalyst–oxidant system that is suitable for the coupling of a range of benzylic C–H bonds with various imidazoles.