Novel α-amino amidine synthesis via scandium(III) triflate mediated 3CC Ugi condensation reaction

α-Amino amidines are made via a novel scandium(III) triflate catalyzed multi-component reaction involving aldehydes, amines, and isonitrile. The reaction can be automated and is amenable to library production. The chemistry of α-amino amidine described herein can be elaborated further for the synthesis of hydantoin imides and imidopyrazine derivatives.