A Cu(OAc)2-mediated C-H amidation and amination of arenes and heteroarenes has been developed using a readily removable directing group. A wide range of sulfonamides, amides, and anilines function as amine donors in this reaction. Heterocycles present in both reactants are tolerated, making this a broadly applicable method for the synthesis of a family of inhibitors including 2-benzamidobenzoic acids and N-phenylaminobenzoates.

Cu(II)-promoted ortho alkynylation of arenes and heteroarenes with terminal alkynes has been developed to prepare aryl alkynes. A variety of arenes and terminal alkynes bearing different substituents are compatible with this reaction, thus providing an alternative disconnection to Sonogashira coupling.

A catalytic deaminative alkylation of unactivated olefins is described. The protocol is characterized by its mild conditions, wide scope, including the use of ethylene as substrate, and exquisite siteselectivity pattern for both α-olefins and internal olefins, thus unlocking a new catalytic platform to forge sp 3 −sp 3 linkages, even in the context of late-stage functionalization.

A Cu(II)-mediated ortho-C-H hydroxylation using a removable directing group has been developed. The reaction exhibits considerable functional group tolerance. The use of O2 as an oxidant is crucial for the reactivity. Water is also found to significantly improve this reaction.