TBN as a metal-free reagent initiated sp 3 C–H functionalization of glycine esters: Synthesis of quinoline-2-carboxylate esters

As a metal-free reagent, tert-butylnitrite (TBN) initiated aerobic sp3 C–H bond oxidation of glycine esters was achieved, providing a series of quinoline-2-carboxylates in good yields. The mechanistic investigation revealed that in the presence of molecular oxygen, TBN derived radicals were involved in the C–H bond oxidation and the terminal aromatization.