Iron-Catalyzed Nitrene Transfer Reactions Enabled by Hydroxylamine Derivatives.

The synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds and heterocycles is of central importance in organic chemistry, as many biologically active molecules contain at least one C-N bond. Among the various strategies available for C-N bond formation, transition-metal-catalyzed nitrene transfer has emerged as a versatile approach. Although numerous nitrene precursors and catalytic systems have been developed over the years, increasing attention has recently been devoted to more sustainable methodologies. In this context, we have developed a range of iron-catalyzed nitrene transfer reactions employing hydroxylamine-derived reagents as nitrene precursors, thereby providing attractive and sustainable alternatives to conventional systems based on noble-metal catalysts and iminoiodinane or azide reagents.