Double C–H Amination of Naphthylamine Derivatives by the Cross-Dehydrogenation Coupling Reaction

A high-efficiency tandem process has been developed for the formation of two C–N bonds through a cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) amination of spiro[acridine-9,9′-fluorene]s (SAFs) with amines. This method offers a strategically innovative and atom-economical approach to obtaining diamine-substituted SAFs. Notably, the approach eliminates the need for metal catalysts and other additives, relying solely on O2 as the oxidant. A self-activation mechanism has been proposed to elucidate the effective double amination in the CDC process.