Lewis acid assisted reactions of N‐(α‐ aminoalkyl)benzotriazoles and unactivated alkenes for the facile synthesis of 4‐, 2,4‐, and 3,4‐substituted 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines

A range of substituted tetrahydroquinolines have been synthesized from benzotriazole derivatives and unactivated alkenes in the presence of a Lewis acid. These reactions utilize readily available starting materials and mild reaction conditions, and give high yields. The reaction mechanisms are discussed.