Regioselective Cp*Ir(III)-Catalyzed Allylic C-H Sulfamidation of Allylbenzene Derivatives

In this study we report the development of the regioselective Cp*Ir(III)-catalyzed allylic C-H sulfamidation of allylbenzene derivatives, using azides as the nitrogen source. The reaction putatively proceeds through a Cp*Ir(III)-pi-allyl intermediate and demonstrates exclusive regioselectivity for the branched position of the pi-allyl The reaction performs well on electron-rich and electron-deficient allylbenzene derivatives and is tolerant of a wide range of functional groups, including carbamates, esters, and ketones. The proposed mechanism for this reaction proceeds via C-N reductive elimination from a Cp*Ir(V) nitrenoid complex at the branched position of the pi-allyl.