(Phys.org)—Certain functional groups tend to show up often in natural products and biologically relevant molecules. Among those functional groups are allylic amines. The typical protocols for the synthesis of allylic amines involve a carbon-carbon coupling reaction that requires a transition metal catalyst. However, transition metal catalysts tend to be expensive, particularly if a reaction is done at a commercial scale. Furthermore, companies are interested in green alternatives to transition metal catalysis.