Directed, Regiocontrolled Hydroamination of Unactivated Alkenes via Protodepalladation

A directed, regiocontrolled hydroamination of unactivated terminal and internal alkenes is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by palladium(II) acetate and is compatible with a variety of nitrogen nucleophiles. A removable bidentate directing group is used to control the regiochemistry, prevent beta-hydride elimination, and stabilize the nucleopalladated intermediate, facilitating a protodepalladation event. This method affords highly functionalized gamma-amino acids in good yields with high regioselectivity.