Aza-Michael reactions in ionic liquids.: A facile synthesis of β-amino compounds

Electron-deficient olefins undergo smoothly aza-Michael reactions with a wide range of amines in ionic liquids in the absence of any acid catalyst to produce the corresponding beta-amino compounds in excellent yields with high 1,4-selectivity. The recovered ionic liquids can be reused in subsequent reactions without loss of activity. Owing to the high polarity of ionic liquids, the enones show enhanced reactivity thereby reducing reaction times and improving the yields significantly.