A Strategy for the Formal C-N Cross-Coupling of Tertiary Amines.

We report a strategy for the formal C-N cross-coupling of tertiary amines via the in situ generation and displacement of N-acyl ammonium species. Specifically, treatment of diverse tertiary amines with TFAA or chloroformates in the presence of NaI leads to the efficient generation of alkyl iodides, which can be engaged directly in Ni-catalyzed cross-couplings. The protocol is applicable to acyclic and cyclic systems, including highly hindered variants. Applications to the late-stage modification of complex heterocycles are presented.