A new strategy for the synthesis of β-benzylmercaptoethylamine derivatives

Here, we describe a new experimental approach to the synthesis of the β-benzylmercaptoethylamine functionality, and illustrate its synthetic utility in multi-component reactions. Although prevalent in modern organic synthesis, no general methods have been described for this functionality. Using a carefully developed LiOH–water–ethanol reaction mixture, we were able to produce a diverse collection of β-benzylmercaptoethylamines containing a range of sensitive functional groups in excellent yields. To further illustrate their utility in molecular library synthesis, we also report the use of β-benzylmercaptoethylamines in five different multi-component reactions.