Chemoselective, accelerated and stereoselective aza-Michael addition of amines to N-phenylmaleimide by using TMEDA based receptors

Abstract : An aza-Michael addition between a maleimide and amines is described in which the presence of simple amine receptors (TMEDA or trans-TMCDA) promote the chemoselectivity of the reaction (respectively, 1,2- and 1,4-addition). Additionally, both receptors are able to accelerate the reaction. Stoichiometries of complexes between receptors and amines were determined by 1H NMR dilution experiments while enantiomeric excesses were observed on 1,4-adducts by using (1R,2R)-TMCDA.