Nickel-catalyzed multi-component connection reaction of isoprene, aldimines (lactamines), and diphenylzinc

Ni(acac)2 catalyzes the three-component connection reaction of Ph2Zn, isoprene, and lactamines, prepared in situ from lactols and aromatic amines, and furnishes homoallylamino alcohols 1 (n=1 and 2) in good yields with excellent E-stereoselectivity.