A Mild, Ferrocene-Catalyzed C–H Imidation of (Hetero)Arenes

A simple method for direct C–H
imidation is reported using
a new perester-based self-immolating reagent and a base-metal catalyst.
The succinimide products obtained can be easily deprotected in situ (if desired) to reveal the corresponding anilines
directly. The scope of the reaction is broad, the conditions are extremely
mild, and the reaction is tolerant of oxidizable and acid-labile functionality,
multiple heteroatoms, and aryl iodides. Mechanistic studies indicate
that ferrocene (Cp2Fe) plays the role of an electron shuttle
in the decomposition of the perester reagent, delivering a succinimidyl
radical ready to add to an aromatic system.