A Cu-catalyzed four-component cascade reaction to construct β-ester-γ-amino ketones

Org Biomol Chem. 2016 Jun 21;14(23):5310-6. doi: 10.1039/c6ob00873a. Epub 2016 May 24.

Abstract

Herein, a novel Cu-catalyzed four-component cascade reaction, which encompasses styrenes, diazo compounds, amines, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), was developed for the synthesis of β-ester-γ-amino ketones. Mechanistically, this transformation was initiated by the interception of an electrophilic Cu-based carbene with nucleophilic α-aminoalkyl radicals, followed by a radical cascade process and an ionic Kornblum-DeLaMare reaction. The methodology was also distinguished by its wide substrate scope, easily available starting materials, and operational simplicity.