The Au(III)-catalyzed coupling reactions between alcohols and N-heterocycles via C-H bond activation

A novel and highly efficient dehydrogenative C-C coupling between sp(3) C-H and sp(2) C-H bonds catalyzed by gold has been developed using environmentally benign tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant. This new methodology provides a facile access to acylate N-heterocycles.