The Ugi–Joullié three-component reaction (UJ-3CR) and related reactions: recent developments, mechanistic aspects and synthesis of natural products and bioactive compounds

Abstract

The Ugi–Joullié three-component reaction evolved from the classic Ugi four-component reaction and enables the facile and efficient formation of polysubstituted nitrogen heterocycles from cyclic imines, isonitriles and carboxylic acids. Recent progress in the field aiming to expand its scope is reviewed, with an emphasis on the development of new variations and substrates, and the acquisition of insights into relevant mechanistic aspects of this reaction. Its application to the synthesis of natural products, their analogs and bioactive compounds is also discussed.