2-Pyridonate Tantalum Complexes for the Intermolecular Hydroaminoalkylation of Sterically Demanding Alkenes.

The design and synthesis of a mixed 2-pyridonate-Ta(NMe2)3Cl complex for the direct C–H alkylation adjacent to nitrogen in unprotected secondary amines are reported. The hydroaminoalkylation of sterically demanding internal alkenes gives the direct, catalytic formation of C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds. Substrate scope investigations reveal key strategies for further catalyst development efforts in this 100% atom-economic synthesis of α-alkylated amines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]