Aminopyridinato Titanium Catalysts for the Hydroaminoalkylation of Alkenes and Styrenes

The linear product is formed as the major product when in situ generated titanium complexes with aminopyridinato ligands are used as catalysts for hydroaminoalkylation reactions of styrenes (see scheme). The reaction is not limited to the use of N-methylanilines and for the first time can be performed with N-alkylanilines bearing alkyl groups larger than methyl, or even with dialkylamines. The best selectivities in favor of a linear product are better than 90:10.