Anti-Markovnikov Hydroamination of Homoallylic Amines

Abstract

The development of an anti-Markovnikov-selective hydroamination of unactivated alkenes is a significant challenge in organometallic chemistry. Herein, we present the rhodium-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov-selective hydroamination of homoallylic amines. The proximal Lewis basic amine serves to promote reactivity and enforce regioselectivity through the formation of the favored metallacycle, thus over-riding the inherent reactivity of the alkene. The scope of both the amine nucleophiles and homoallylic amines that participate in the reaction is demonstrated.