Direct asymmetric dearomatization of pyridines and pyrazines by iridium-catalyzed allylic amination reactions.

The first iridium-catalyzed intramolecular asymmetric allylic dearomatization reaction of pyridines and pyrazines has been realized. 2,3-Dihydroindolizine and 6,7-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives were obtained with excellent yields and enantioselectivity. This methodology features dearomatization by direct N-allylic alkylation of pyridines or pyrazines under mild reaction conditions.