Amination of Aromatic Olefins with Anilines: A New Domino Synthesis of Quinolines

Abstract

A new catalytic amination of aromatic olefins with anilines is presented. In a domino reaction, substituted quinoline derivatives are obtained in the presence of cationic rhodium complexes, such as [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄, and PPh₃. Ethylbenzene is formed as a by-product in this new oxidative reaction. The first transition metal catalyzed anti-Markovnikov hydroamination of styrene with anilines occurs as a side reaction. Mechanistic investigations strongly support the regioselective oxidative amination of styrene as the key reaction step.