Platinum-catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination of vinyl arenes with carboxamides.

[reaction: see text] Reaction of benzamide with 4-methylstyrene catalyzed by a 1:2 mixture of [PtCl(2)(H(2)C=CH(2))](2) and P(4-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3) (5 mol %) in mesitylene at 140 degrees 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.