A manganese phthalocyanine has been shown to catalyse intermolecular C–H amination reactions—proceeding through an electrophilic metallonitrene intermediate—with high levels of reactivity and site selectivity. Demonstrating good tolerance for tertiary amine, pyridine and benzimidazole moieties, nitrogen functionality can be selectively installed at electron-rich, sterically exposed benzylic sites in bioactive molecules.
- Joseph R. Clark
- Kaibo Feng
- M. Christina White
