Tandem beta-alkylation-alpha-arylation of amines by carbolithiation and rearrangement of N-carbamoyl enamines (vinyl ureas)

J Am Chem Soc. 2010 May 19;132(19):6624-5. doi: 10.1021/ja1007992.

Abstract

Organolithiums add in an umpolung fashion to the beta-carbon of N-carbamoyl enamines (N-vinyl ureas). The reaction proceeds with syn diastereospecificity and provides urea-stabilized, configurationally defined organolithiums. Facilitated by coordinating solvents (THF or DMPU), these undergo intramolecular attack on an N'-aryl group, resulting in retentive arylation of the organolithium and hence overall addition of an alkyl or aryl group to both carbon atoms of the urea-substituted alkene. Facile deprotection in hot butanol permits the rapid, multicomponent construction of heavily substituted amines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Amines / chemistry*
  • Lithium / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Urea / chemistry*

Substances

  • Amines
  • Urea
  • Lithium