Three-component synthesis of (E)-α,β-unsaturated amides of the piperine family

Abstract

Selective formation of (E)-α,β-unsaturated amides by intermolecular three-component reaction between aldehydes, amines (1° or 2°) and ketenylidenetriphenylphosphorane (Ph₃PCCO) is described. Natural amides such as fagaramide and piperines could be prepared from immediately available educts. The method is shown to be extendable to the preparation of thioesters from thiols and aldehydes.