Aza-Baylis-Hillman reactions of N-tosylated aldimines with activated allenes and alkynes in the presence of various Lewis base promoters

The scope and the limitations of aza-Baylis-Hillman reactions and the Lewis base and solvent effects in the reactions that are investigated are described. A series of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds as 'abnormal' aza-Baylis-Hillman reaction products could be formed in the presence of an appropriate Lewis base promoter.