Boric acid catalyzed Ugi three-component reaction in aqueous media

B(OH)(3) catalyzed Ugi three-component reaction for the synthesis of 2-arylamino-2-phenylacetamide has been developed using aldehydes, amines, and isocyanides in water. The synthesized 2-arylamino-2-phenylacetamides were efficiently converted into alpha-amino acid via acidic hydrolysis.