Selective formation of (E)-alpha,beta -unsaturated amides by intermolecular
three-component reaction between aldehydes, amines (1 degrees or 2 degrees
) and ketenylidenetriphenylphosphorane (Ph3P=C=C=O) is described. Natural a
mides such as fagaramide and piperines could be prepared from immediately a
vailable educts. The method is shown to be extendable to the preparation of
thioesters from thiols and aldehydes.