Exploiting intramolecular hydrogen bonding for the highly (Z)-selective & metal free synthesis of amide substituted β-aminoenones

Herein, we report the metal free and intramolecular hydrogen bonding (IMHB) directed (Z)-selective synthesis of amide substituted beta-aminoenones. Systematically, we confirm the role of dual IMHB (C=O center dot center dot center dot H-N) on the Z-direction using single-crystal X-ray analysis and 1D and 2D NMR studies. High stereoselectivity, atom efficiency, excellent yields and high purity are achieved by mere filtration. We avoid column purification and the formed by-product in the process is environmentally friendly.