N,N′‐Diamidocarbenes Facilitate Selective CH Insertions and Transfer Hydrogenations

Abstract

CH bound: Diamidocarbenes were found to facilitate highly selective CH bond activation in hydrocarbons containing benzylic, allylic, or α-carbonyl positions. Mechanistic studies showed a preference for intramolecular CH insertion for CH bonds at more substituted carbon atoms, whereas intermolecular insertions were enabled by relatively electron-deficient substrates. The diamidocarbenes also promoted metal- and additive-free transfer hydrogenations.