Platinum-Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroamination of Vinyl Arenes with Carboxamides

Reaction of benzamide with 4-methylstyrene catalyzed by a 1:2 mixture of [PtCl₂(H₂CCH₂)]₂ and P(4-C₆H₄CF₃)₃ (5 mol %) in mesitylene at 140 °C for 24 h led to the isolation of N-(1-p-tolylethyl)benzamide in 85% yield. Electron-rich, electron-poor, and hindered vinyl arenes underwent Markovnikov hydroamination with a range of carboxamides and amide derivatives in moderate to good yield with excellent regioselectivity.