Synthesis of α-enamino esters via Cu(ii)-promoted dehydrogenation of α-amino acid esters: application to the synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles

Abstract

α-Enamino esters were efficiently prepared directly from readily available α-amino acid esters using a Cu(II)-promoted dehydrogenation with broad functional group tolerance and good to excellent yields. Moreover, the first application of α-enamino esters for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles was achieved using an oxidative coupling with alkynes under Cu(II)-promoted conditions via intermolecular carbometalation of the alkyne in high yields.