Efficient catalyst-free four-component synthesis of novel γ-aminoethers mediated by a Mannich type reaction.

Herein, it is provided an efficient and one-pot procedure for the synthesis of novel and diversely substituted γ-aminoethers in good yields through a four-component process by treatment of benzylamines with polyformaldehyde and activated alkenes in aliphatic alcohols acting both as solvent and as etherificant agents. Reactions proceeded via a Mannich-type reaction, where the formation of iminium ions and aminals was identified as the key intermediates to obtain the target products.