Nano cobalt-copper ferrite catalyzed regioselective α-C(sp3)–H cyanation of amines: Secondary, tertiary, and drug molecules

• Published in: Catalysis communications 2021-01, Vol.149, p.106211, Article 106211
• Main Authors: Moghaddam, Firouz Matloubi, Pourkaveh, Raheleh, Heidarian, Mahdi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cobalt copper ferrite; Room temperature; sp3C–H activation; α-Aminonitrile
• ISSN: 1566-7367; 1873-3905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.catcom.2020.106211

Oxidative cyanation of sp3C–H bonds at the α position of amines was achieved using CoCuFe2O4 as a catalyst and NaCN as an inexpensive cyanide source at room temperature. CoCuFe2O4 was found to be an active catalyst for Csp [3]-Csp coupling, efficiently delivering valuable α-aminonitriles from tertiary/secondary amines in good yields. The corresponding products were obtained with high selectivity toward α position. In addition, functional group tolerance offered the opportunity for application in late-stage functionalization of biologically active molecules. This transformation proceeds convenient on a gram-scale, and the catalyst can be reused for several runs with consistent catalytic activity. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] •Cost-effective and environmentally heterogeneous catalyst for regioselective cyanation of amines.•Oxidative cyanation of sp3C–H bonds at the α position of amines at room temperature in high yields.•Introducing the cyano group in known drugs and alkaloid.•Excellent regioselectivity and convenient on a gram-scale.