Zirconium-Catalyzed Hydroaminoalkylation Of Alkynes For The Synthesis Of Allylic Amines

A zirconium-catalyzed hydroaminoalkylation of alkynes to access alpha,beta,gamma-substituted allylic amines in an atomeconomic fashion is reported. The reaction is compatible with N-(trimethylsilyl)benzylamine and a variety of N-benzylaniline substrates, with the latter giving the allylic amine as the sole organic product. Various internal alkynes with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents were tolerated. Model intermediates of the reaction were synthesized and structurally characterized. Stoichiometric studies on key intermediates revealed that the open coordination sphere at zirconium, imparted by the tethered bis(ureate) ligand, is crucial for the coordination of neutral donors. These complexes may serve as models for the inner-sphere protonolysis reactions required for catalytic turnover.