Directed copper-catalyzed dehydrogenative C-H amination of unsaturated sialic acids

This study reports the first example of a Cu-catalyzed dehydrogenative C(sp²)-H amination of sialyl glycals. The scope of this reaction is demonstrated by the use of a variety of substituted azole nucleophiles. This approach offers an efficient entry to an unknown chemical space related to N-branched sialyl glycals. Additionally, removal of the directing group and further post functionalizations on the azole nucleus could also be realized by different cross-coupling processes.