Copper-catalyzed oxidative amidation of dibenzylamines via C–H bond activation

A new method has been developed for the oxidative amidation of dibenzylamines to construct N-benzylbenzamides via C–H bond activation. This new method allows for the formation of two amide products from a single dibenzylamine starting material in good yields using CuBr as a catalyst and diacetoxyiodobenzene as an oxidant under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst system performed efficiently, and this study represents the first reported use of diacetoxyiodobenzene as an oxidant for the oxidative amidation of dibenzylamines to the corresponding N-benzylbenzamides.

Graphical AbstractA new strategy for oxidative amidation of dibenzylamines via copper-catalyzed C-H bond activation has been developed. Two kinds of amides can be achieved with good yields.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide