Abstract
α-Imino ketones are traditionally synthesized through condensing simple and readily available α-keto aldehydes or 1,2-diketones with primary or secondary amines. They are structurally similar to many naturally occurring biological substances due to the presence of the imino group (–N=C–). Chemically, C-acylimines exhibit ambiphilic reactivity, making their synthetic chemistry particularly attractive and viable for the creation of various aza-cyclic and heterocyclic compounds, including their asymmetric counterparts. Consequently, numerous synthetic strategies have been developed starting from these building blocks. Herein, we provide a graphical review of state-of-the-art synthetic efforts over the past 20 years, focusing on the use of α-imino ketones (both cyclic and acyclic) for the synthesis of small molecules and complex systems.
Key words
α-imino ketones -
C-acylimines - ambiphilic reactivity - cycloadditions - annulations - asymmetric synthesis
