In situ-generated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium catalysts and isolated NHC-palladium complexes have been tested for the telomerization reaction of 1,3-butadiene with primary and secondary amines. Superior catalyst activity (TON up to 400.000) and selectivity are obtained. Applying optimized conditions a variety of octa-2,7-dienylamines were prepared in high yield and excellent selectivity
