Nanocrystalline Copper(II) Oxide Catalyzed Aza-Michael Reaction and Insertion of α-Diazo Compounds into N-H Bonds of Amines.

Abstract Nanocrystalline copper(II) oxide efficiently catalyzed the conjugate addition of aliphatic amines to α,β-unsaturated compounds to produce β-amino compounds with excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Similarly, Glycine esters are obtained in good yields by the insertion of α-diazoacetate into N–H bonds of amines. The catalyst is used for three cycles with minimal loss of activity.