Copper-Catalyzed Cyanoalkylation of Amines via C-C Bond Cleavage: An Approach for C(sp)-N Bond Formations.

The efficient copper-catalyzed cyanoalkylation of amines via C-C bond cleavage has been demonstrated. Distinctive features of this procedure involves mild conditions, broad range of nitrogen nucleophiles, high selectivity, and good functional group tolerance, thus providing a useful approach for the C(sp)-N bond formations. Most importantly, this protocol is applicable to the late-stage functionalization of natural products, amino acid esters, and drugs. Mechanistic studies suggest that a radical intermediate was involved in this transformation.