Pd-Catalyzed Z-Selective Oxidative Amination of Olefins

Obora et al. have reported the Pd-catalyzed Z-selective oxidative amination of olefins. According to their results, the palladium(II) acetate-catalyzed aerobic oxidative amination of olefins with ortho-substituted primary anilines successfully proceeds under the presence of pivalic acid as an additive, and the corresponding N-alkenyl anilines are given in high yields. This reaction does not need an external reoxidant, and the products have unusually high level of Z-selectivity.