Aza-Reformatsky Reaction Promoted by Catalytic Samarium Diiodide: Synthesis of β-Amino Esters or Amides

The synthesis of β-amino esters or amides has been achieved from moderate to high yields from the reaction of imines and α-halo esters or amides promoted by catalytic amounts of ­samarium diiodide in the presence of magnesium turnings as co-­reductant. A mechanism is proposed to explain this catalytic samarium(II)-promoted aza-Reformatsky reaction.