Aerobic α,β-C(sp3)-H Bond Difunctionalization and C-N Bond Cleavage of Triethylamine: Difunctional Ammonium Iodide Enabling the Regioselective Synthesis of 4-Arylpyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles.

A novel method for the regioselective synthesis of 4-arylpyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles has been developed via the dual C(sp3)-H bond functionalization and C-N bond cleavage of triethylamine. The elusive acyclic enamine intermediates are effectively in situ generated and captured by aromatic aldehydes to form a wide array of tricyclic products from 3-aminoindazoles under the NH4I-mediated aerobic oxidative conditions. This reaction features easily available feedstock, green and economic conditions, and valuable products.