The first heterogeneous catalyzed oxidative coupling of aryl amines is reported. Aryl amines were dimerized at room temperature under air using a heterogeneous Rh/C catalyst in the presence of acids. By choosing a suitable acidic solvent, biaryl compounds and carbazoles were selectively prepared in good yields. This reaction is operationally simple and provides an efficient synthetic methodology for the preparation of biaryl diamines via oxidative C-H activation.

In this study, a heterogeneous rhodium-catalyzed oxidative homocoupling reaction of anilines utilizing molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant is reported. Employing a commercially available and recyclable Rh/C catalyst enabled the oxidative dimerization of various anilines, including N,N-disubstituted and N-monosubstituted anilines, as well as diarylamines, triarylamines, and carbazoles. Additionally, the catalytic protocol was extended to the ortho−ortho coupling of anilines, affording 2,2′-diaminobiphenyls with high regioselectivity. Notably, the developed approach provides rapid access to diversely functionalized benzidines and diaminobiphenyls in an operationally simple, practical, and environmentally friendly manner.

A novel, practical protocol for the aerobic direct C-H acetoxylation of arenes, employing a recyclable heterogeneous rhodium catalyst, is reported herein. The trifluoroacetoxylation of 2-amido-substituted anthracenes proceeded at the 9-position with exclusive regioselectivity. The oxidation of variously substituted anthracenes and other polycyclic aromatics with molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant proceeded under mild conditions, providing products in good to excellent yields.

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