We report an efficient method for the alkylation of gamma-C(sp(3))-H bonds of picolinamide-protected aliphatic amine substrates with primary alkyl iodides via palladium catalysis. Ag2CO3 and dibenzyl phosphate, (BnO)(2)PO2H, are critical promoters of this reaction. These reactions provide a convenient and straightforward method for the preparation of high-value N-containing products from readily available amine and alkyl iodide precursors.