Synthesis of α-amino amidines through molecular iodine-catalyzed three-component coupling of isocyanides, aldehydes and amines

A facile and efficient synthetic protocol for the synthesis of alpha-amino amidines has been developed using a molecular iodine-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction of isocyanides, amines, and aldehydes. The presented strategy offers the advantages of mild reaction conditions, low environmental impact, clean and simple methodology, high atom economy, wide substrate scope and high yields.