Domino Sequence of Ketimization and Electrophilic Amination for an Inverse Aza Intramolecular Morita–Baylis–Hillman Adduct

Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction, typically catalyzed by a Lewis base, is a popular and useful method for C-C bond formation. Unfortunately, it is limited by a slow reaction rate and has sensitivity toward steric and electronic parameters. Despite tremendous efforts, the versatility of the reaction keeps the quest open for new mechanistic and catalytic pathways. Here, we have reported a Bro̷nsted acid-catalyzed, electrophilic amination (Umpolung of imine) as a method for an inverse Aza Intramolecular MBH adduct in the form of 2-acylindole. Umpolung of imine with nitrogen acting as an electrophilic center has been achieved. Interestingly, the reaction was also shown to occur under catalyst-free conditions also. The expected products of ketimine formation, 6π electrocyclization, or quinoline formation were least/not observed. A large number of examples have demonstrated the reaction strength. β-aryl-substituted acrylate and acrylamide (cinnamates and cinnamides), which are extremely sluggish in conventional MBH chemistry, are the highlights of the developed methodology. The annulated product exhibited keto-enol tautomerism, which was proven by ¹H NMR integrals. As an application, another tandem reaction in the form of Michael addition on a highly complex amine was carried out to provide spiro-annulated indole.