Rh(i)- and Rh(ii)-catalyzed C–H alkylation of benzylamines with alkenes and its application in flow chemistry

Abstract

The Rh-catalyzed C–H alkylation of benzylamines with alkenes using a picolinamide derivative as a directing group is reported. Both Rh(I) and Rh(II) complexes can be used as active catalysts for this transformation. In addition, a flow set up was designed to successfully mimic this process under flow conditions. Several examples are presented under flow conditions and it was confirmed that a flow process is advantageous over a batch process. Deuterium labelling experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism of the reaction, and the results indicated a possible carbene mechanism for this C–H alkylation process.