Base-catalyzed amination of olefins: an example of an environmentally friendly synthesis of amines

The base-catalyzed amination of aromatic olefins is described as an environmentally friendly synthesis of various β-arylethylamines. Primary and secondary aliphatic amines as well as aromatic amines react with styrene derivatives to give the corresponding β-arylethylamines in high yield up to 99%. While aliphatic amines react with styrenes in the presence of n-BuLi as the pre-catalyst, anilines can be olefinated using KOtBu as the catalyst.