Development of aqueous oxidative Ugi-type reactions by copper-catalyzed surfactant-promoted C(sp3)-H direct functionalization in water

Direct assembly of α-amino amides from N-alkyl amines and isocyanides through oxidative Ugi-type reactions in aqueous conditions, has been achieved in a Cu(I)-TBHP-surfactant catalysis system. Various N-alkyl amines and isocyanides could be tolerated in this reaction and furnish α-amino amides in moderate yields.