Synthesis of Mannich type products via a three-component coupling reaction

The reactions of alkyl nitriles, acetyl chloride, aldehydes and β-ketoesters or simple ketones was studied for the one-pot synthesis of β-acetamido carbonyl compounds. It was observed that the reaction proceeds in the absence of Lewis acids. However, a Lewis acid catalyzes the reaction and several were tested. It was found that whereas Cu(OTf)2 is suitable for the coupling of β-ketoesters with aldehydes, Sc(OTf)3 is the best for ketones. A possible mechanism is proposed based on the isolation and characterization of an intermediate.