Amidation reactions alkenes, intermolecular amination

The intermolecular hydroamination of xmactivated alkenes with alkali metal catalysts has been known for a long time and a comprehensive review is available [7]. Reactions with ammonia or primary amines catalyzed by elemental lithium [140], sodium [141-144], potassium [141], alkali metal hydrides [141], and amides [145, 146] with ethylene typically require high reaction temperatures (250-500°C) and pressures (up to 1000 bar) and result in mixtures of mono-, di- and triethy-lamine in moderate yields. 

---