Iron-catalyzed C(sp(2))-H and C(sp(3))-H methylations of amides and anilides.

The so-called magic methyl effect significantly boosts the bioactivities and physical properties of pharmacologically active drugs. Direct introduction of the methyl group by CH activation was accomplished with a versatile iron catalyst, which enabled the CH methylation of (hetero)benzamides, anilides, alkenes, and even alkanes by triazole assistance in a chemo-, site- and diastereo-selective fashion.