Biomass-Derived Cu-Catalyzed General C—X (X = C, N, O) Bond Formation: Carbenoid Insertion Reactions of C—H, N—H, O—H Bond and Late-stage Functionalization of Drug Molecules†

The development of sustainable and efficient catalytic systems for the formation C—C, C—N, C—O bonds is a fundamental goal in modern synthetic chemistry. We present a biomass-derived Cu/Chitosan-800 catalyst that facilitates a range of carbenoid insertion reactions into C—H, N—H, and O—H bonds. This catalyst demonstrates remarkable activity, enabling the functionalization of diverse substrates, including the late-stage modification of drug molecules with up to 95% yield and good recyclability. Our findings highlight the catalyst's potential in advancing environmentally friendly chemical transformations, offering a promising tool for pharmaceutical synthesis and organic synthesis.