Copper-catalyzed oxygen atom transfer of N-oxides leading to a facile deoxygenation procedure applicable to both heterocyclic and amine N-oxides.

Deoxygenation of various types of N-oxides including both heterocyclic and alkyl(aryl)amine derivatives has successfully been developed by the copper-catalyzed oxygen atom transfer using diazo compounds as the oxygen acceptor. The reaction proceeds smoothly over a broad range of substrates with excellent functional group tolerance under mild conditions.