Stereoselective Synthesis of -Amino Ketones via Direct Mannich-Type Reaction Catalyzed with [image omitted]

At room temperature, [image omitted] and [image omitted] efficiently catalyze the direct Mannich-type reaction of varieties of in situ-generated aldimines using aldehydes and anilines with ketones in a three-component reaction under solvent-free conditions. The reaction proceeds rapidly and affords the corresponding -amino ketones in good to high yields with good to excellent stereoselectivity. The catalyst can be recycled for subsequent reactions without any appreciable loss of efficiency.