Chemo/regioselective Aza-Michael additions of amines to conjugate alkenes catalyzed by polystyrene-supported AlCl3

A simple and efficient procedure is presented for Aza-Michael additions of various amines with conjugate alkenes bearing electron withdrawing group catalyzed by polystyrene-supported aluminum chloride (Ps-AlCl3) without the use of any solvents. The catalyst shows high catalytic activity for both aromatic amines and aliphatic amines. Chemoselective additions of the two types of amines with conjugate alkenes are achieved. Regioselective additions of two different amino groups in one molecule proceed smoothly. Ps-AlCl3 has better recyclability and can be reused several times without apparent loss of activity. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.