Synthesis and Reactivity of Unsymmetrical Azomethine Imines Formed Using Alkene Aminocarbonylation

Complex cyclic azomethine imines possessing a beta-aminocarbonyl motif can be accessed readily from simple alkenes and hydrazones. This alkene aminocarbonylation approach allows formation of ketone-derived azomethine imines of unprecedented complexity. Since unsymmetrical hydrazones are used, two stereoisomers are formed: the reactivity of chiral derivatives is explored in both intra- and intermolecular systems.