Palladium-catalyzed oxidative amination of activated olefins with N-alkyl anilines for synthesis of tertiary (E)-enamines

An efficient palladium-catalyzed oxidative amination of olefins with secondary anilines for the synthesis of tertiary (E)-enamines has been developed. Trimethylacetic acid (PivOH) played an important role in the reaction. This protocol tolerates a range of functional groups and is a reliable method for direct synthesis of tertiary (E)-enamines in high yields under mild conditions.