A four-component reaction involving in situ generated organometallic reagents: Straightforward access to β-amino esters

摘要

Four in one: A straightforward synthesis of β~(2,3)-amino esters is described through a new zinc-mediated, cobalt-catalyzed four-component reaction between organic bromides, alkyl acrylates, amines, and aldehydes (see scheme). Synthesis involves a Mannich-related conjugate addition/aza-aldol domino sequence, allowing the formation of three single bonds in one step. A reaction mechanism, emphasizing the crucial role of zinc salts, is described.