Metal-free decarboxylative three-component coupling reaction for the synthesis of propargylamines.

A metal-free decarboxylative three-component coupling reaction was developed. When alkynyl carboxylic acids, paraformaldehyde, and amines were reacted in CH3CN at 65 °C for 3 h, the desired propargylamines were obtained in good yields. This coupling reaction also showed good yield in water solvent. This reaction showed higher selectivity toward alkynyl carboxylic acids than a terminal alkyne.