Enantioselective addition of amines to alkenoyl-N-oxazolidinones

Investigations of cationic Pd(II) complex as hydroamination catalysts led to the development of highly enantioselective addition of aromatic amines to alkenoyl-N-oxazolidinones, with ee values up to 93%. Factors affecting the yield and selectivity of the reaction were described. Addition of substituted benzylamines to these Michael acceptors was also attempted, and was found to be reversible under catalytic conditions.