Heterobimetallic Catalyst for Intermolecular C-H Amination

Significance

In the previous report, White demonstrated the power of Pd/sulfoxide catalyst 1 on the direct intramolecular C-H amination (K. J. Fraunhoffer, M. C. White J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 7274.) This latest report from White’s group shows that a more difficult intermolecular alternative is feasible using the Pd/sulfoxide-Cr(salen) couple. Remarkably, the reaction is carried out in a highly regio- and diastereoselective fashion. The outstanding feature of this method is the possibility of accessing the nitrogen functionality in unactivated olefins circumventing an oxygenated precursor.