Benzene and dinitrogen are abundant resources, but it is difficult to activate the C-H and N-N bonds of these stable compounds. Here, we describe a system that breaks C-H bonds of simple arenes and inserts a nitrogen atom from N2, resulting in the formation of anilines from arenes and N2. Mechanistic studies elucidate the structures of several intermediates, and give insight into the key C-H activation and the migration of an aryl ligand to the N2 fragment. These results point the way toward the use of N2 as a synthon for N-containing organic molecules without dependence on ammonia as an intermediate.

Tandem C-H activation and N-N activation during conversion of arenes and N2 into anilines

2019 Spring National Meeting

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