DDQ-catalyzed direct N-alkylation of azoles.

Herein, we have developed a new and efficient catalytic system for the C-H/N-H cross-coupling N-alkylation of azoles under metal-free, base-free, and room temperature conditions. In this transformation, DDQ serves as a catalyst to promote the coupling process via single electron transfer and hydrogen atom transfer, and BPO acts as an oxidant to regenerate DDQ. This method offers an economical and practical protocol with a broad substrate scope.