Direct C-H amination reactions of arenes with N -hydroxyphthalimides catalyzed by cuprous bromide.

An efficient Cu-catalyzed strategy for the direct C-H amination of arenes in high yields using N -hydroxyphthalimide as the amidyl radical precursor under air is reported. A possible mechanism is proposed that proceeds via a radical reaction in the presence of CuBr and triethyl phosphite.