Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated γ-amino esters with a quaternary center by ruthenium-catalyzed codimerization of N-acetyl α-arylenamines and acrylates.

Ruthenium-catalyzed highly selective codimerization of N-acetyl α-arylenamines with ethyl acrylates is reported. This codimerization reaction provides a new efficient method for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated γ-amino esters with a quaternary center.