Cobalt(II) catalyzed Michael-type hydroamination of activated olefins

The aza-Michael addition reaction of primary and secondary amines to <i>α</i>,<i>β</i>-unsaturated olefins viz; acrylonitrile, phenyl vinyl sulfone and dimethyl maleate has been carried out using 5–10 mol% Co(NO₃)₂.6H₂O as a catalyst in <i>t</i>-BuOMe at 80–100 °C, giving rise to the desired <i>β</i>-aminocarbonyl compounds or sulfones in moderate to good yields. A wide range of aromatic amines, even those bearing electron withdrawing groups could be added to activated olefins via this strategy. Addition of (hetero)aromatic amines were also feasible, while in case of 2-aminopyridine the reaction was found to be effective only when AgOTf was added along with the catalyst. The aliphatic amines; benzylamine, dibenzylamine, di-<i>n</i>-butylamine were also smoothly added to acrylonitrile and phenyl vinyl sulfone. The methodology describes cobalt(II) nitrate as an eco-friendly, cheap and shelf available catalyst suitable for performing the Michael-type hydroamination reactions.