Multiple component reactions: an efficient nickel-catalyzed Reformatsky-type reaction and its application in the parallel synthesis of beta-amino carbonyl libraries
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Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Optimization of the Ugi Reaction Using Parallel Synthesis and Automated Liquid Handling
Published on: November 11, 2008
James C Adrian1, Marc L Snapper
1Chemistry Department, Union College, Schenectady, New York 12308, USA. adrianj@union.edu
Abstract:
Multiple-component condensations (MCC) where three or more reactants combine to afford a new core structure possessing the molecular features of its composite building blocks is a powerful method for the preparation of molecular diversity. We have developed an efficient, nickel-catalyzed, Reformatsky-type three-component condensation (3CC) reaction that affords beta-amino carbonyl compounds. The scope of the reaction is demonstrated both in the gram and microscale settings; 15 beta-amino esters, amides, and a ketone were prepared efficiently at the mmol scale, and a library of 64 beta-amino carbonyl compounds was generated at the micromol scale.
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