Copper-catalyzed C-H azidation of anilines under mild conditions.

A novel and efficient copper-catalyzed azidation reaction of anilines via C-H activation has been developed. This method, in which the primary amine acts as a directing group by coordinating to the metal center, provides ortho azidation products regioselectively under mild conditions. This effective route for the synthesis of aryl azides is of great significance in view of the versatile reactivity of the azide products.