Synthesis of β-amino carbonyl compounds via a Zn(OTf)2-catalyzed cascade reaction of anilines with aromatic aldehydes and carbonyl compounds

A Zn(OTf)₂-catalyzed cascade reaction of anilines with aromatic aldehydes and carbonyl compounds was described. This one-pot three-component reaction afforded the corresponding β-amino carbonyl compounds, β-amino esters, and β-amino ketones in good to excellent yields. The reaction was also applied for the liquid-phase synthesis of β-amino carbonyl compound library using PEG as a support.