Novel Copper Catalysts for C-H bond Amination and Olefin Aziridination

Section: For Industry

Category(ies): Chemistry

Reference #: WATI222002

OTC Contact: Dave Odelson, Ph.D. (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

The insertion of nitrene (NR) into a C-H bond to form an amine is a transformation with great synthetic promise, yet this methodology is limited by facile means of generating nitrene intermediates with appropriate reactivity and selectivity profiles. The present invention describes a novel copper catalyst designed for C-H bond amination and olefin aziridination. This technology promotes the formation of C-N bonds which occur in many classes of fine chemicals using readily available organic azides N=N=NR, which serve as sources of the nitrene functionality.

Applications

Applications:

  • Amination of C-H bonds with organoazides
  • Aziridination of alkenes with organoazides

 Advantages:

  • Environmentally friendly syntheses (nitrogen gas only stoichiometric byproduct)
  • Lower cost compared to existing rhodium-based catalysts
  • Use of copper in catalyst is favorable for its ready availability, and acceptable reactivity with a wide range of olefins and diazo compounds.
  • Can be conducted in aerobic environment.
  • Can be extended to use stereoselective and enantiospecific C-H bond aminations and olefin aziridinations.

Advantages

Stage of Development

Stage of Development: Proof of concept studies done.

Inventors: Timothy, H. Warren

Relevant Publications

  • Cu(I) beta-diketiminates for alkene aziridination: reversible Cu-arene binding and catalytic nitrene transfer from PhI=NTs.; Warrant et al; Inorg Chem. 2004 Oct 18;43(21):6537-9.
  • A terminal Ni(III)-imide with diverse reactivity pathways.; Warren et al;  J Am Chem Soc. 2005 Aug 17;127(32):11248-9.
  • Transient terminal Cu-nitrene intermediates from discrete dicopper nitrenes., Warren et al; J Am Chem Soc. 2006 Nov 29;128(47):15056-7.

Patent Status

PCT application PCT/US07/086506 filed on December 5, 2007.