Mild metal-free tandem α-alkylation/cyclization of N-benzyl carbamates with simple olefins.

Easy does it! The chemoselective oxidative α-C(sp(3))-H alkylation/cyclization reaction of N-benzyl carbamates using simple mono-, di-, and trisubstituted olefins provides functionalized N-heterocycles such as oxazinones. A TEMPO oxoammonium salt serves as the oxidant, making it possible to carry out the reaction at low temperatures. Neither a metal catalyst nor preactivation in the α-position to the nitrogen group are needed.