Iron-catalyzed oxidative C(3)-H functionalization of amines.

Fe-catalyzed direct dehydrogenative C(3)-functionalization of tertiary arylamines was developed via activation of the sp(3) C(3)-H bond. The reaction is applicable to both cyclic and acyclic amines. The key process is the catalytic desaturative enamine formation from tertiary amines and position-selective C-C bond formation (addition to nitro olefins) at the β-carbon. Products can be converted to versatile and unique nitrogen-containing molecules.