The B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed Tandem Meinwald Rearrangement-Reductive Amination

Abstract

A system of three coupled catalytic cycles enabling the one-pot transformation of epoxides to amines via Meinwald rearrangement, imine condensation, and imine reduction is described. This assisted tandem catalysis is catalyzed by B(C6F5)3 resulting in the first tandem Meinwald rearrangement-reductive amination protocol. The reaction proceeds in nondried solvents and yields β-functionalized amines. In particular, β-diarylamines are obtained in high yields.