Cyclic secondary amines are prominent subunits in pharmaceutical compounds. Methods for direct functionalization of N-unprotected/unsubstituted piperidines and related heterocycles have limited precedent despite their potential to impact medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. Herein, we report a Cu/nitroxyl co-catalyzed method for direct conversion of cyclic secondary amines to the corresponding lactams via aerobic dehydrogenation and oxidative coupling with water. The mild reaction conditions tolerate diverse functional groups, enabling application to molecules that cover broad chemical space. The method is showcased in selective functionalization of building blocks and complex molecules, including late-stage functionalization of bromodomain inhibitors.

中文翻译：

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铜-硝酰基催化的环状仲胺的 α-氧化反应，包括在后期官能化中的应用


环状仲胺是药物化合物中的重要亚基。尽管 N-未保护/未取代的哌啶和相关杂环化合物有可能影响药物化学和有机合成，但直接官能化的方法的先例有限。在此，我们报道了一种铜/硝酰基共催化方法，通过有氧脱氢和与水的氧化偶联将环状仲胺直接转化为相应的内酰胺。温和的反应条件可耐受不同的官能团，从而能够应用于覆盖广泛化学空间的分子。该方法在结构单元和复杂分子的选择性功能化中得到展示，包括溴结构域抑制剂的后期功能化。