Palladium-catalysed cyclisation–amination of allenes-effect of base on regioselectivity of formation of allylic amines

The palladium catalysed cyclisation of aryl iodides onto proximal allenes occurs at the centre carbon atom of the allene forming a five- or six-membered rings and generating a π-allyl intermediate. The regiochemistry of attack of secondary amines on the π-allyl intermediate is sensitive to added inorganic base, steric effects and the nature of the adjacent heteroatom.