Zinc(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Propargylamines by Coupling Aldimines and Ketimines with Alkynes

Abstract

A Zn II ‐catalyzed reaction between imines, which were derived from unactivated aldehydes or ketones and primary amines or α‐amino acid esters, and terminal alkynes has led to the rapid and efficient formation of tri‐ and tetrasubstituted propargylamines (from aldimines and ketimines, respectively) in good to excellent yields. No additives or extra Lewis acid reagents were required for the imine‐alkyne coupling reaction.