Three-component reaction for the synthesis of diverse β-unsaturated α-amino esters

We describe an efficient multicomponent reaction for the preparation of β-unsaturated α-amino esters by ytterbium triflate catalyzed reaction of potassium organotrifluoroborate salts, aniline and ethyl glyoxalate. The synthetic viability of this protocol was demonstrated by moderate to high yields, short reaction time ranging from 0.5 to 12 h, and efficiency with respect to substrate scope.