Zinc triflate-catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination of vinylarenes and anilines: scopes and limitations

Intermolecular hydroamination of vinylarenes and anilines was studied using zinc triflate as catalyst. NMR experiments supported a Lewis acid activation of the CC double bond. Electronic/steric effect study indicated that Lewis acidity of the catalyst as well as the coordination property of the amine were the governing factors for successful hydroamination of the substrates. More nucleophilic amine would bind more tightly to the central metal, leading to an unproductive coordination. Approach of bulky amine to CC bond would be hindered, and an alternative electrophilic substitution on benzene ring of the amine would become the major reaction. Electrophilic substitution would become predominant when strong electron-donating group is presented on aniline benzene ring.