A New Synthesis of 1,3-Aminols from Direct Double Reduction of -Enamino Ketones Formed in situ by Reaction of -Dicarbonyl Compounds with Anilines

A new one-pot synthesis of 1,3-aminols by direct reduction of -enamino ketones, formed in situ by reaction of easily available -dicarbonyl compounds, with anilines were described. In the case of aliphatic amines such as benzyl amine, n-butyl amine and b-hydroxy ethyl amine, the corresponding 1,3-minols were not obtained. In fact, the b-enamino ketone formed was failed to accomplish further reduction to 1,3-aminol. This approach is the most direct available method for the synthesis of 1,3- aminols.