Ruthenium-catalyzed C-H allylation of arenes with allylic amines

The Ru-catalyzed pyridyl-directed C-H allylation of arenes with allylic amines has been developed. This reaction was carried out in the presence of 5 mol% of [Ru(p-cymene)Cl-2](2) and 0.5 equiv. of AgOAc in CF3CH2OH at 75 degrees C, affording the allylated products of arenes in moderate to excellent yields. The method exhibits a wide scope of allylic amines and arenes and shows a good compatibility of functional groups. The pyrazolyl- and pyrimidyl-directed C-H allylation of arenes was also performed under the same conditions.