Copper-Catalyzed Aza-Benzyl Transfer Michael Addition via C-C Bond Cleavage.

A non-noble Cu-catalyzed transfer aza-benzyl Michael addition via the C-C bond cleavage of aza-benzyl alcohols has been disclosed. The unstrained C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond of an alcohol was selectively cleaved. This aza-benzyl transfer strategy provides a selective and environmentally benign approach for the C-alkylation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds that employs readily available alcohols as carbon nucleophiles and is characterized by a wide range of substrates and good to excellent yields.