Ugi four-component condensation with two cleavable components:: the easiest synthesis of 2,N-diarylglycines

The Ugi four-component condensation between anilines, aromatic aldehydes, isocyanides, and alpha-oxoacids afforded the expected adducts which were cleaved in mild conditions to give 2,N-diarylglycines in high yields. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.