A facile synthesis of stable β-amino-N-/O-hemiacetals through a catalyst-free three-component Mannich-type reaction

Abstract

A practical, straightforward and one-step procedure for the synthesis of novel and stable β-amino-N-/O-hemiacetals (i.e γ-aminoalcohols) is provided. The title compounds were obtained in good to excellent yields through an uncatalyzed three-component reaction by treatment of secondary amines with polyformaldehyde and electron-rich alkenes in acetonitrile as solvent at ambient temperature. The reactions proceeded with the formation of iminium ions, through a Mannich-type reaction, as the key intermediates for the generation of the target products. Single crystal X-ray analysis of derivative 4l confirmed unequivocally the structure and stability of the obtained compounds.