Copper-catalyzed reaction of ketenimine and in situ generated immonium ion: access to α,β-unsaturated amidines.

A Cu-catalyzed three-component reaction of alkyne, azides (sulfonyl or phosphoryl azides), and N,N-dialkyloxyformamide dialkyl acetal via electrophilic addition of immonium ion to copper ketenimine is reported. This new protocol for the preparation of α,β-unsaturated amidine derivatives appears to offer high yield, mild conditions, and wide substrate scope. The reaction might involve the processes of copper ketenimine intermediate formation, electrophilic addition, and isomerization.