Convenient Route to Primary (Z)-Allyl Amines and Homologs

A convenient two-step procedure for the synthesis of primary (Z)-allyl amines, (Z)-homoallyl amines [(Z)-but-3-enylamines], and (Z)-pent-4-enylamines using the Wittig reaction was achieved. The use of nonstabilized ylides from triphenylphosphonium salt, potassium salt, and apolar solvent produced (Z/E)-geometric isomer ratios generally greater than 1.6. The amine moiety was masked using a phtalimide group that was removed successfully in the last step of the process in two different conditions, NH2NH2/EtOH/rt or CH3NH2/EtOH/rt. However, in some cases, reduction of the C = C double bond in the deprotection with hydrazine was concomitantly observed.