Indium (Zinc)-Copper-Mediated Barbier-Type Alkylation Reaction of Nitrones in Water: Synthesis of Amines and Hydroxylamines

An efficient method for the Barbier-type alkylation reaction of various nitrones (including chiral version) and alkyl halides in water is described. The amines and hydroxylamines can be obtained in good yields, depending on the judicious choice of the metal complexes used.