Homogeneous Catalytic Hydroamination of Alkynes and Allenes with Ammonia

Abstract

A golden ticket to the synthesis of reactive nitrogen-containing compounds, such as imines, enamines, and allyl amines, through the addition of NH3 to unsaturated bonds is the cationic cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene–gold(I) catalyst shown in blue (Dipp=diisopropylphenyl). An ideal initial step for the preparation of simple bulk chemicals, this reaction is also useful for the synthesis of more complex molecules (see examples).