α,ß-Unsaturated imines via Ru-catalyzed coupling of allylic alcohols and amines.

A convenient synthesis of α,ß-unsaturated imines requiring only an allylic alcohol, an amine and a Ru catalyst has been developed. The use of large excesses of oxidant and the purification of sensitive intermediates can be avoided.

Synthesis of propargylic and allenic carbamates via the C-H amination of alkynes.

Propargylic amines are important intermediates for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The insertion of a nitrene into a propargylic C-H bond has not been explored, despite the attention directed toward the Rh-catalyzed amination of other types of C-H bonds. In this communication, the conversion of a series of homopropargylic carbamates to propargylic carbamates and aminated allenes is described.