Synthesis of β-amino carbonyl compounds via a Mannich reaction catalyzed by SalenZn complex

A practical method was developed to synthesize a series of new β-amino carbonyl compounds via a three-component Mannich reaction of aromatic amines with aromatic aldehydes and active methylene compounds catalyzed by SalenZn complex under mild reaction condition. The catalyst and solvent effects were investigated. The substituted group effects of aromatic amines and aldehydes were also discussed.