The Au(iii)-catalyzed coupling reactions between alcohols and N-heterocycles via C–H bond activation

A novel and highly efficient dehydrogenative C–C coupling between sp3 C–H and sp2 C–H bonds catalyzed by gold has been developed using environmentally benign tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant. This new methodology provides a facile access to acylate N-heterocycles.