Reductive Molybdenum-Catalyzed Direct Amination of Boronic Acids with Nitro Compounds.

The synthesis of aromatic amines is of utmost importance in a wide range of chemical contexts. We report a direct amination of boronic acids with nitro compounds to yield (hetero)aryl amines. The novel combination of a dioxomolybdenum(VI) catalyst and triphenylphosphine as inexpensive reductant has revealed to be decisive to achieve this new C-N coupling. Our methodology has proven to be scalable, air and moisture tolerant, highly chemoselective and engages both aliphatic and aromatic nitro compounds. Moreover, this general and step-economical synthesis of aromatic secondary amines showcases orthogonality to other aromatic amine syntheses as it tolerates aryl halides and carbonyl compounds.