The Seidel group has recently published a method for the direct α-C–H bond functionalization of cyclic secondary amines, ubiquitous core structures of bioactive natural products and pharmaceutical drugs. No protecting groups or transition metals are required, enabling the synthesis of α-substituted amines in a simple one-pot process.
Article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nchem.2871
Article highlight: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41570-017-0104