The invention of catalytic processes that convert feedstock chemicals into pharmacologically-privileged amines is a landmark challenge in organic synthesis. This thesis describes the development of three novel transition-metal catalyzed processes for the synthesis of alkylamines that attempts to meet this challenge.

The first Pd-catalyzed methylene β-C−H carbonylation of alkylamines to form substituted β-lactams is reported. Through the synergistic use of a Pd-catalyst and Xanpthos ligand, secondary amines underwent exclusive methylene β-C−H activation in high yields and diastereoselectivities.

Subsequently, the development of a remarkably selective methylene β-C−H carbonylation of α-tertiary amines (ATAs), is detailed. This methodology enables the C−H carbonylation of methylene C−H bonds over traditionally more reactive methyl and C(sp2)−H bonds. Importantly, a range of functional groups previously incompatible with C−H technologies were tolerated in good yields.

Finally, the development of a novel multicomponent synthesis of tertiary amines is described. The novel photocatalytic single-electron reduction of alkyl iminium ions furnishes -amino radicals that engage alkenes forming a new C–C bond. The reaction exhibits broad functional group tolerance and enables the synthesis of amines not readily accessible by existing methods.