Preparation of functionalized primary chiral amines and amides via an enantioselective three-component synthesis of propargylamines

A general preparation of functionalized primary chiral amines and amides from propargylamines has been developed. The chirality is established by an enantioselective three-component reaction of an aldehyde, a terminal alkyne and a secondary amine in the presence of copper(I) bromide/Quinap as the catalytic system leading to chiral propargylamines in high yields and enantioselectivities. Functionalization and reduction leads to various primary amines and amides. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.