Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Substituted Primary Arylamines from Cyclohexenone Oxime Esters

A novel protocol has been developed for the Cu-catalyzed synthesis of primary arylamines with meta-substituents using cyclohexenone oxime esters. Mechanistic insights suggest that the reaction proceeds via an intermolecular 1,5-H hydrogen atom transfer of an imine radical intermediate. This approach features high efficiency, a readily available catalyst system, and broad functional group tolerance.