Bench-Stable Imine Surrogates for the Synthesis of α-Carbonylenamines

We report a versatile methodology for the synthesis of α-carbonylenamines using bench-stable imine surrogates via two distinct pathways. The protocol operates under mild conditions (room temperature), delivers high isolated yields (up to 99%), exhibits excellent selectivity (predominantly Z-configuration), and accommodates a broad substrate scope including functionalized amines and carbonyl compounds. This approach addresses limitations of traditional methods, such as instability of intermediates and harsh reaction conditions, and offers a practical route to enamine-based pharmaceuticals and heterocycles.