Copper-Catalyzed Aerobic Aliphatic C–H Oxygenation Directed by an Amidine Moiety

A method for the oxygenation of tertiary C–H bonds of N-alkylamidines and N-(2-alkylaryl)­amidines is described that utilizes the CuBr·SMe₂/2,2′-bipyridine catalytic system under an O₂ atmosphere and provides dihydrooxazoles and 4H-1,3-benzoxazines. The oxygen atom is incorporated from atmospheric molecular oxygen during the present process.