Base-catalyzed Formation of Enamines from β,β-Dicyanostyrene Derivatives with N-Bromosaccharin

A new method for the synthesis of functional enamines from β,β-dicyanostyrene derivatives and N-bromosaccharin(NBSA) was developed. In the presence of Na₂CO₃, the the reaction of β,β-dicyanostyrene derivatives with NBSA can generate the corresponding enamines smoothly in a mixed solvent of dichloromethane and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)(volume ratio 1:1) at 50℃. The reaction of 14 kinds of β,β-dicyanostyrene derivatives with NBSA was investigated. Screened olefins afforded the corresponding enamines in good to excellent yields(up to 94%), indicating that the method has a wide adaptability for the substrate. The catalyst used is inexpensive and stable for storage. The amino groups of all products in their structures are on the α-position of products, revealing the reaction has an excellent regioselectivity. The possible pathway involving aminobromination of β,β-dicyanostyrene derivative with NBSA first and then elimination of HBr process in one pot has been proposed. The structures of all products were confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and HRMS analysis.