Three-Component Synthesis of α-Branched Amines under Barbier-like Conditions

An array of alpha-branched amines has been prepared by using an expedient three-component Mannich-type reaction among organic halides, aldehyde derivatives, and amines. The experimental procedure, which is characterized by its simplicity, employs zinc dust for the in situ generation of organozinc reagents. We show that this Barbier-like protocol constitutes a useful entry to diaryl-methylamines, 1,2-diarylethylamines, alpha- or beta-amino esters, benzylamines, and beta-arylethylamines.