Three-Component Coupling Involving Arynes, Aromatic Tertiary Amines, and Aldehydes via Aryl–Aryl Amino Group Migration

The
transition-metal-free multicomponent coupling of arynes, aromatic
tertiary amines, and aldehydes proceeding via the aryl to aryl amino
group migration has been demonstrated. This protocol allows rapid
access to ortho-functionalized tertiary amines in
moderate to good yields. Moreover, activated ketones can also be used
as the aldehyde component in the present reaction. The similarity
of the aryl–aryl tertiary amino group migration with the Smiles
rearrangement is striking.