Synthetic method for the preparation of 2-aminomethyl-1,3-diene derivatives through indium-mediated 1,3-butadien-2-ylation of imines.

An efficient method for the preparation of a variety of 2-aminomethyl-1,3-dienes was developed through the reaction of imines with organoindium reagent generated in situ from indium and 1,3-dibromo-2-butyne. Three-component reactions of aldehydes, amines, and organoindium reagents gave successful results in a one-pot process.