Redox-Neutral α-Amino C-H Functionalization: When the Catalyst Is Also the Nucleophile.

A redox-neutral functionalization of cyclic amines that leads to acyclic products is presented. The reaction hinges on generation of transient aryl radical intermediates by catalytic activation with a simple hydrazine. Those aryl radicals subsequently undergo translocation and further oxidation prior to trapping with the same hydrazine, thus resulting in an overall process where the catalyst unusually also acts as the nucleophile.