One-pot three component α-aminoalkylation of conjugated nitroalkenes and nitrodienes

Nitroethylenes possessing aryl, heteroaryl, and alkyl substituents at the β-position as well as δ-substituted nitrobutadienes undergo facile aminoalkylation at the α-position upon treatment with formaldehyde and a secondary amine in the presence of imidazole and trifluoroacetic acid to afford α-aminoalkylated nitroalkenes and nitrodienes in good to excellent yield and stereoselectivity.