Mild and Efficient Method for Synthesis of Eaminones Using Ytterbium Triflate as Catalyst

Abstract

A mild and efficient procedure for synthesis of β-enaminones by the condensation of β-dicarbonyl compounds and amines using ytterbium triflate [Yb(OTf)₃] as catalyst is described. The catalyst can be easily recovered and reused without loss of activity.

Keywords:

• Amine
• β-dicarbonyl compounds
• β-enaminones
• ytterbium triflate

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to the National Basic Research Program (No. 2003CB114402) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 20476098 and 20676123) for financial support.

Notes

^a Reaction conditions: cyclohexane-1,3-dione (5 mmol), aniline (5 mmol), CH₃CN as solvent (2 mL), room temperature for 20 min.

^b Isolated yields.

^c The catalyst was reused for four times.

^a Reaction conditions: β-dicarbonyl compound (5 mmol), amine (5 mmol), Yb(OTf)₃ (0.10 mmol), CH₃CN as solvent (2 mL), room temperature.

^b Reaction temperature: 60 °C.

^c Isolated yields.