Cu(TFA)2-catalyzed oxidative tandem cyclization/1,2-alkyl migration of enamino amides for synthesis of pyrrolin-4-ones.

A novel Cu(TFA)2-catalyzed oxidative tandem cyclization/1,2-alkyl migration of readily available enamino amides for the synthesis of pyrrolin-4-ones has been developed. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functional groups and is a reliable method for the rapid synthesis of substituted pyrrolin-4-ones in high yields under mild conditions.