Scandium-catalysed intermolecular hydroaminoalkylation of olefins with aliphatic tertiary amines

Abstract

A homoleptic scandium trialkyl complex in combination with a borate compound served as an excellent catalyst for the C–H addition of aliphatic tertiary amines to olefins. This highly regiospecific, 100% atom efficient C–H bond alkylation reaction was applicable to a wide variety of tertiary amines and olefins, including functionalised styrenes and unactivated α-olefins. This work represents the first example of rare-earth catalysed olefin hydroaminoalkylation and also the first example of catalytic C–H addition of aliphatic tertiary amines to olefins with any catalyst.