Catalytic amounts of triarylaminium salt initiated aerobic oxidative coupling of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines.

A novel stable radical cation triarylaminium salt able to induce aerobic oxidative α-C-H functionalization of tertiary amines in catalytic amounts has been developed. The reaction is performed in the absence of any other additives under mild conditions and only requires atmosphere air as a sustainable co-oxidant.