Three-component one-pot synthesis of functionalised (Z)-4-benzylidene (and alkenylidene) pyrrolidines

A three-component synthesis of stereodefined 4-benzylidene-(or alkenylidene)-pyrrolidines from simple, readily available starting materials is described. This one-pot process is initiated by a conjugate addition of a propargylamine to a gem-diactivated olefin subsequently followed by a carbopalladation involving an aryl halide (or vinyl triflate).