Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxygenation of benzylpyridine N-oxides and subsequent post-functionalization

A copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of benzylpyridine N-oxides is reported. The N-oxide moiety acts as a built-in activator for the benzylic methylene oxidation, without requirement of additives. Reaction conditions were identified which suppress undesired benzoylpyridine formation via N-deoxygenation involving intermolecular oxygen transfer. The versatility of the N-oxide group of the benzoylpyridine N-oxide reaction products for post-functionalization of the pyridine ring is demonstrated through efficient C–C, C–N, C–O and C–Cl bond forming procedures, with both nucleophiles and electrophiles. Finally, the applicability of the new synthetic methodology is demonstrated in an alternative route towards the antihistaminic drug Acrivastine via three consecutive N-oxide activated C–H functionalization processes, starting from picoline N-oxide. (Figure presented.).