Synthesis 2007(22): 3519-3527  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-990875
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Regioselective Copper-Catalyzed C-N and C-S Bond Formation Using Amines, Thiols and Halobenzoic Acids

Shuanglong Liu, John Paul C. Pestano, Christian Wolf*
Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
Fax: +1(202)6876209; e-Mail: cw27@georgetown.edu;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 4 June 2007
Publication Date:
31 October 2007 (online)

Abstract

A regioselective method for highly efficient C-N and C-S bond formation with 2-halobenzoic acids is described. The Cu/Cu2O-catalyzed reaction is carried out in 2-ethoxyethanol or ethylene glycol diethyl ether and does not require the use of strong base or other additives. This procedure eliminates the need for acid protection, tolerates a wide range of functional groups and provides aromatic­ and aliphatic amines and sulfides in 81-99% yield.

14

No product formation was observed in the absence of a copper catalyst.

15

Carbon-sulfide bond formation with 2-iodobenzoic acids proved to be complete within two hours, while 2-chloro­-benzoic acids gave low yields under the conditions described.