Stereoselective synthesis of separable amide rotamers using π-allyl-Pd catalyst and their thermodynamic behavior

Separable amide rotamers were prepared with moderate to excellent Z-selectivities by N-allylation of 2,4,6-tri-tert-butyl-NH-anilides using a π-allyl-Pd catalyst. The present allylation proceeded through a unique mechanism involving O-allylation and the subsequent O,N-allylic rearrangement. The prepared amide rotamers of Z-major changed to equilibrium mixtures of E-major when heated in toluene.