An in situ generated samarium complex as a practical catalyst for the efficient intramolecular hydroamination of non-activated alkenes

Mixing SmI2 and NaN(TMS)2 generates in situ an efficient catalyst that promotes the intramolecular hydroamination of non-activated olefins. A wide range of aminoolefins can be cyclised smoothly using this simple protocol. Mechanistic studies led to the identification of the putative active catalyst.