A pyridine-promoted umpolung strategy for the α-amination of styrenes via pyridinium salt intermediates

Abstract

Pyridine acts as a novel catalyst, promoting the umpolung α-amination of styrenes. Umpolung of α-C in styrenes is achieved by the formation of (α-phenylvinyl)pyridinium, and depyridination will give the α-amination products. 23 α-amination products are synthesized by this strategy. The reaction mechanism is analysed by DFT theoretical calculations.