Catalytic enamines from dialkylamide-dialkylacetals

The formation of a transient enamine derived from DMF-DMA provides an effective alternative to the harsh conditions normally required for the nucleophilic addition of base-activated methylene compounds to a carbonyl group. Organocatalysts formed from dialkylamide-dialkylacetals in this manner may provide extensive synthetic utility for a number of well-established reactions in which the formation of enolates and enamines has been employed.