Iodine-Catalyzed Direct C–H Alkenylation of Azaheterocycle N‑Oxides with Alkenes

An
efficient and regioselective alkenylation of azaheterocycle N-oxides
with alkenes catalyzed by iodine under metal- and external oxidant-free
reaction conditions has been developed. A variety of (E)-2-styrylazaheterocycles have been produced in moderate to excellent
yields. The mechanistic exploration indicated that the N-oxide group
played dual roles as both the directing group and an internal oxidant
in this catalytic cycle.