Bidirectional Electron Transfer Strategies for Anti-Markovnikov Olefin Aminofunctionalization via Arylamine Radicals.

Arylamines are common structural motifs in pharmaceuticals, natural products, and materials precursors. While olefin aminofunctionalization chemistry can provide entry to arylamines, classical polar reactions typically afford Markovnikov products. Nitrogen-centered radical intermediates provide the opportunity to access anti-Markovnikov selectivity; however, anti-Markovnikov arylamination is unknown in large part due to the lack of arylamine radical precursors.

Synthesis of Secondary Amines via Self-Limiting Alkylation.

-centered nucleophilicity increases upon alkylation, and thus selective partial alkylation of ammonia and primary amines can be challenging: Poor selectivity and overalkylation are often observed. Here we introduce -aminopyridinium salts as ammonia surrogates for the synthesis of secondary amines via self-limiting alkylation chemistry. Readily available -aryl--aminopyridinium salts engage in -alkylation and depyridylation to afford secondary aryl-alkyl amines without any overalkylation products.