A distinct approach for the rapid synthesis of homoallylic amines starting directly from nitro compounds in water

Three-component reactions of nitroarenes, benzaldehydes, and allyltributylstannane using indium in dilute aqueous HCl at room temperature afford the corresponding homoallylic amines in high yields within 5–10 min. The conversion in one-pot synthesis involves the following steps: (i) reduction of nitro compounds to amines, (ii) formation of imines from amines and aldehydes, and (iii) allylation of imines.