Organocatalytic Tandem Three-Component Reaction of Imine, Alkyl Vinyl Ketone, and Imide via aza-Baylis−Hillman Reaction

A highly chemoselective PPh₃-catalyzed three-component reaction of an imine, alkyl vinyl ketone, and phthalimide or succinimide is developed. Various highly functional adducts with high diastereoselectivities can be generated via aza-Morita−Baylis−Hillman reactions of aryl-substituted imines and alkyl vinyl ketones followed by Michael additions of imides and then epimerization.