Roles reversed: An efficient cobalt-catalyzed electrophilic amination of arylzinc reagents has been achieved. A variety of functionalized arylzincs and N-chloroamines were coupled under mild conditions (see scheme). Both secondary and tertiary arylamines were obtained in moderate to excellent yields.

An efficient cobalt-catalyzed electrophilic amination of arylzinc reagents with chloroamines is presented. A variety of functionalized arylzincs and secondary and tertiary N-chloroamines are coupled under mild conditions. In some cases, triethylamine dramatically improves the reaction and prevents the formation of byproducts. -(QIAN, X.; YU, Z.; AUFFRANT, A.; GOSMINI*, C.; Chem. -Eur. J. 19 (2013) 20, 6225-6229, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.201300229 ; Lab. Heteroelem. Coord., CNRS, Ec. Polytech., F-91128 Palaiseau, Fr.; Eng.) -Bartels 40-058