Amine Functionalization through Sequential Quinone‐Catalyzed Oxidation/Nucleophilic Addition

Abstract

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of α‐branched amines through formal oxidative C–H functionalization is reported. A commercially available quinone organocatalyst is employed to promote the aerobic oxidation of primary amines to the corresponding N‐protected imines, which are then trapped in situ with an appropriate nucleophile to give access to versatile functionalized amines in good to excellent yields (70–90 %).