Cu(I)/Cu(II)-catalyzed allylic amination of alkenes

Allylic hydrocarbons are selectively converted to the corresponding allyl amines in good to excellent yield by reaction with aryl hydroxylamines catalyzed by a 1:1 mixture of CuCl and CuCl2 (10 mol %). Under these conditions unsymmetrical olefins react highly regioselectively with N-functionalization at the less substituted vinylic carbon. Trapping experiments indicate that a free nitrosoarene is not an intermediate in these reactions.