Stereoselective synthesis of enamino ketones through an aza-Michael/hydrolysis cascade reaction.

We have developed a mild, convenient and efficient synthesis of highly functionalized (Z)-β-enamino ketones from readily available 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline imines and ynones through an aza-Michael/hydrolysis cascade reaction. This method is also suitable for the preparation of (Z)-β-enamino esters using alkynoates as starting materials. Complex fully substituted pyrroles can be constructed from the obtained (Z)-β-enamino ketones. It is an attractive alternative approach for the preparation of highly functionalized enamino ketones, esters and pyrroles.