I2-Catalyzed Oxidative Amidation of Benzylamines and Benzyl Cyanides under Mild Conditions.

We report a novel and efficient method for the oxidation of benzylic carbons (amines and cyanides) into corresponding benzamides using a catalytic amount of I2 and TBHP as the green oxidant via the C-H bond cleavage of the benzylic carbon under mild reaction conditions. According to the literature survey, this is the first report for the oxidative amidation of benzylamines and decyanation of benzyl cyanides in one pot under metal-free conditions.