Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydrotryptamines from Amide Solvents and Acyclic Materials through Metal-Free Amidoalkylarylation of Unactivated Alkenes

The first synthesis of 2,3-dihydrotryptamines from acyclic materials and an exo-selective amidoalkylation/cyclization cascade of N-allyl anilines through α-C(sp3)–H functionalization of simple amides across unactivated alkenes are presented. This reaction proceeds in mixed aqueous media and under metal-free conditions and features a broad substrate scope and a simple operation.