An easy and general protocol for multicomponent coupling reactions of aldehydes, amides, and dienophiles

An improved procedure for the three-component coupling reaction of aldehydes, amides, and dienophiles (AAD-reaction) has been developed. The use of microwave technology enables the endo-selective synthesis of N-acyl cyclohexenylamines via condensation of readily available aldehydes and amides, and subsequent Diels-Alder reaction with electron-deficient dienophiles in significantly improved yields. Advantageously, there is no need of employing additional solvents and reaction times are drastically reduced compared to similar thermal reactions.