Copper-Manganese Spinel Oxide Catalyzed Synthesis of Amides and Azobenzenes via Aminyl Radical Cations.

A highly efficient Cu–Mn-catalyzed process for the aminolysis of esters was developed. Also, the catalyst promoted the self- and cross-dehydrogenative coupling of anilines to generate symmetrical and unsymmetrical azobenzenes, respectively. The reactions were performed under neutral conditions with an inexpensive catalyst, gave high yields, and offered wide functional group tolerance.