Organocatalytic tandem three-component reaction of imine, alkyl vinyl ketone, and imide via aza-Baylis-Hillman reaction.

A highly chemoselective PPh(3)-catalyzed three-component reaction of an imine, alkyl vinyl ketone, and phthalimide or succinimide is developed. Various highly functional adducts with high diastereoselectivities can be generated via aza-Morita-Baylis-Hillman reactions of aryl-substituted imines and alkyl vinyl ketones followed by Michael additions of imides and then epimerization.