Site-Selective Allylic C-H Amination with Aliphatic Amines

Abstract The direct coupling of olefins and alkyl amines represents the most efficient and atom-economical approach to prepare aliphatic allylamines which are fundamental building blocks. However, the method that achieves this goal while exhibiting exquisite control over the site at which the amine is introduced remains elusive. Herein, we report that the combination of a photocatalyst and a cobaloxime enables site-selective allylic C–H amination of olefins with secondary alkyl amines to afford allylic amines, eliminating the need for oxidants. This reaction proceeds by a radical-based mechanism distinct from those of existing allylic amination reactions. It affords the product resulting from cleavage of the stronger, primary allylic C–H bonds over other weaker allylic C–H bond options. DFT calculations reveal that this selectivity originates from a cobaloxime-promoted hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process. Our method is compatible with a broad scope of alkenes, and can be extended to achieve a site- and diastereoselective amination of natural terpenes.