Practical catalytic method for synthesis of sterically hindered anilines.

A practical catalytic method for the synthesis of sterically hindered anilines is described. The amination of aryl and heteroaryl boronic esters is accomplished using a catalyst prepared in situ from commercially available and air-stable copper(i) triflate and diphosphine ligand. For the first time, the method can be applied to the synthesis of both secondary and tertiary anilines in the presence of a wide range of functional groups. Esters, aldehydes, alcohols, aryl halides, ketones, nitriles, and nitro arenes are all compatible with the reaction conditions. Finally, even the most sterically hindered anilines can be successfully prepared under mild reaction conditions. Overall, the new method addresses significant practical limitations of a transformation previously developed in our lab, and provides a valuable complement to the existing methods for the synthesis of anilines.