tBuOK/DMSO/O2 catalyzed direct α-C(sp3)–H alkylation with styrenes: productive α-amino radicals for hydroaminoalkylation†

Abstract

Direct α-C(sp³)–H alkylation of hydroaminoalkylation (HAA) catalyzed by ^tBuOK/DMSO/O₂ from α-aryl benzylamines with styrenes is reported. The reaction has delivered diverse selectively substituted amines and N-heterocycles under mild conditions. Mechanism studies have shown that α-aminoalkyl radicals act as intermediates and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) plays a crucial role in the ^tBuOK/DMSO/O₂ system.