Cu(II) salen complex catalyzed synthesis of propargylamines by a three-component coupling reaction

A one pot three-component coupling reaction of phenylacetylene, aldehyde, and amine derivatives in the presence of Cu(II) Salen complex as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst under solvent-free conditions is reported. The catalyst displayed high activity and afforded the corresponding propargylamines in good to excellent yields. This method provides a wide range of substrate applicability. The catalyst was reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity. (C) 2013, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.