Copper-catalyzed oxidative esterification of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds with carboxylic acids via cross dehydrogenative coupling

An effective copper-catalyzed esterification of unactivated (non-benzylic and allylic) C(sp(3))-H bonds of hydrocarbons with Selectfluor as an oxidant has been developed. This reaction could provide a direct, new and useful strategy for the synthesis of esters and alkyl alcohols by ester hydrolysis.