Enantioselective Allylation of Aromatic Amines after In Situ Generation of an Activated Cyclometalated Iridium Catalyst

Highly regio- and enantioselective allylation of aromatic amines is observed when a cyclometalated Ir–phosphoramidite complex is generated in situ (see scheme). The active catalyst can be formed from [{Ir(cod)Cl}2] and ligand L with a volatile alkylamine prior to addition of the reagents or upon use of a tertiary amine additive.