Reactions of ketone dilithio α,β-dianions with imines and hydrazones: an anionic access to γ-amino ketones

The reactions of ketone dilithio α,β-dianions with imines and hydrazones were investigated. The nucleophilic addition reaction to C–N double bonds took place selectively at the β-position of dianions to form lithium Z-enolates containing a lithium amide portion, which is then transformed into γ-amino ketones and related compounds by the subsequent reaction with electrophiles.