Bromodimethylsulfonium bromide mediated Michael addition of amines to electron deficient alkenes

Bromodimethylsulfonium bromide has been found to be an efficient catalyst for the Michael addition of a wide variety of amines to electron deficient alkenes at room temperature. The protocol is very simple and chemoselective. Aliphatic and benzylic amines undergo conjugate addition within a very short period under solvent-free conditions and provide excellent yields of products. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.