Free Amino Group Transfer via α-Amination of Native Carbonyls

Abstract

We report herein a straightforward transfer of a free amino group (NH2) from a commercially available nitrogen source to unfunctionalized, native carbonyls (amides and ketones) resulting in direct α-amination. Primary α-amino carbonyls are readily produced under mild conditions, further enabling diverse in situ functionalization reactions—including peptide coupling and Pictet–Spengler cyclization—that capitalize on the presence of the unprotected primary amine.