Benzylation of heterocyclic N-oxides via direct oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling with toluene derivatives

A novel cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of heterocyclic N-oxides with toluene derivatives has been discussed, allowing for the facile synthesis of a broad range of structurally diverse C1-benzyl quinoline N-oxides, isoquinoline N-oxides and pyridine N-oxides, including two methylated quinoline N-oxides in particular. This protocol not only extends the application of toluenes in synthetic organic chemistry, but also offers an alternative method to prepare benzylated heterocyclic N-oxides without any metal involved, which is important in medicinal chemistry.