Synthesis of [60]fullerene-fused tetrahydroazepinones and azepinonimines via Cu(OAc)2-promoted N-heteroannulation reaction

A convenient and efficient Cu(OAc)2-mediated N-heteroannulation reaction of [60]fullerene with N-sulfonylated o-amino-aromatic methyl ketones or O-alkyl oximes has been reported for the synthesis of novel and scarce [60]fullerene-fused tetrahydroazepinones and -azepinonimines in a highly selective manner. Moreover, a possible mechanism involving two pathways is proposed on the basis of the experimental observations.