Efficient synthesis of α-aryl serine derivatives via three-component reactions of aryldiazoacetates, anilines and formaldehyde

A three-component reaction based on trapping of ammonium ylides with formaldehyde was first reported. This reaction offers a new strategy for the synthesis of α-aryl serine derivatives and can be extended to the preparation of α-aryl threonine derivatives. Synthetic application of the three component reaction for the preparation of hydroquinoxaline derivative was also demonstrated.