A convenient alkene oxyamination compatible with a wide range of alkenoic acids and electron-rich amines is accomplished via aerobic copper catalysis. The synthetic value of this protocol is highlighted with the stereoselective formation of complex amino lactone products. In addition, product derivatizations to privileged nitrogen heterocycles have also been demonstrated via simple reduction methods. The reaction is proposed to proceed through a copper-catalyzed iodolactonization process.
