Microwave-assisted synthesis of β-amino-α,β-unsaturated esters: a rapid and efficient access to (Z)-methyl 3-amino-2-substituted acrylate

Abstract

We report a two-step rapid and efficient synthesis of β-amino-α,β-unsaturated esters. Microwave-assisted synthesis was used throughout the process. Seventeen β-amino-α,β-unsaturated esters were produced in excellent yields and short reaction times. The effects of the heating method and substituents, especially the o-substituted group of the phenols or thiophenols, were investigated. A plausible reaction mechanism is also proposed.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• β-amino-α,β-unsaturated esters
• acrylate
• microwave-assisted synthesis
• green chemistry

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Zaozhuang University and Lunan Institute of Coal Chemical-engineering Technology Research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).