Copper-Catalyzed Amination of C(sp 3 )-H bonds: From Anilides to Indolines.

Copper-catalyzed oxidative intramolecular cyclization of o -alkylated anilines via cleavage of C(sp ³ )-H and N-H bonds for the production of indolines is described. This approach provides a straightforward strategy for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds through the functionalization of unactivated C(sp ³ )-H bonds with high site selectivity. The present catalytic system shows high preference for functionalization of unactivated C(sp ³ )-H bonds over C(sp ² )-H bonds, leading to C-N bond formation.