Palladium-catalyzed double coupling reaction of terminal alkynes with isocyanides: a direct approach to symmetrical N-aryl dialkynylimines

A novel and efficient one-pot synthesis of symmetrical N-aryl dialkynylimines via palladium-catalyzed and copper-promoted isocyanide insertion, cross-coupling and elimination has been developed. This method features readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions and high atom efficiency as well as simple one-pot operation, which make this strategy highly attractive. Moreover, 2-iodobenzo[f]quinoline derivatives can be obtained via electrophilic cyclization of N-aryl dialkynylimines.

Conjugated imines and iminium salts as versatile acceptors of nucleophiles

Growing interests in nitrogen-containing molecules involving bioactive and functional materials have stimulated the recent development of synthetic methodologies where nucleophilic addition reactions to imino carbons are utilized in crucial steps. This article summarizes double nucleophilic addition reactions with alpha,beta-unsaturated aldimines, addition reactions using alkynyl imines, "umpoled" reactions of alpha-imino esters, and the use of iminium salts as reactive electrophiles.