Palladium‐Catalysed Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of Aromatic Amines to α,β‐Unsaturated N‐Imides. Effect of the Chelating Moiety

Palladium‐catalysed enantioselective additions of aromatic amines to α,β‐unsaturated N‐imides 4–6 are reported. The N‐substituent of the Michael acceptor appears to have an unusual modulating effect on the amine activity. The effects of introducing different substituents are examined. Overall, the yield and selectivity of the system appear to be less sensitive to environmental effects than previous systems. The importance of the counteranion is revealed.