Addition of dianions of carboxylic acids to imines. Influence of the acid in the outcome of the reaction

The addition of different carboxylic acids dianions to N-benzylidenebenzeneamine have been studied. The outcome of the reaction depends on the acid. Saturated ones lead to β-aminoacids with good yields and syn-selectivity whereas α,β-unsaturated ones lead to α− and γ− regioisomers with a regioselectivity that depends on the steric hindrance around the reactive centre. From some of these unsaturated acids, polyunsaturated carboxylic acids can be obtained as a change in the reaction conditions lead to the in situ elimination of aniline. From o-methyl aromatic acids δ-aminoacids are isolated with uneven results. Those derived from six member arene carboxylic acids give, on standing, dihydro-2-…