Three-Component Coupling Involving Arynes, Aromatic Tertiary Amines, and Aldehydes via Aryl-Aryl Amino Group Migration

The transition-Metal-free multicomponent coupling of arynes, aromatic tertiary amines, and aldehydes proceeding via the aryl to aryl amino group migration has been demonstrated. This protocol allows rapid access to ortho-functionalized tertiary amines in moderate to good yields. Moreover, activated ketones can also be used as the aldehyde Component in the present reaction. The similarity of the aryl-aryl tertiary amino group migration with the Smiles rearrangement is striking.