Copper-catalyzed generation of nitrogen-centered radicals and reactions thereof

Nitrogen-centered radicals are reactive intermediates that can function in the formation of new C–N bonds or enable the formation of other bonds through their ability to abstract hydrogen atoms to generate carbon radical intermediates. Methods for the generation of nitrogen-centered radicals have traditionally involved application of radical initiators and propagators such as peroxides, AIBN and tin hydrides. More recently, approaches to nitrogen-centered radicals involving copper catalysis have been developed. In the transformations summarized herein, the copper catalyst either oxidizes or reduces the nitrogen-centered radical precursor. Some of these methods have been developed as catalytic enantioselective using chiral copper complexes.