Glyoxylic Acid: A Carboxyl Group‐Assisted Metal‐Free Decarboxylative Reaction Toward Propargylamines

Abstract Readily available propargylamines are not only fundamental building blocks in organic synthesis, but also possess many prominent biological activities. A highly efficient, concise and environmentally benign decarboxylative reaction of glyoxylic acid monohydrate with secondary amines and alkynes has been elaborated, and a variety of propargylamines are delivered in moderate to good yields under metal‐free conditions. A mechanism involving a carboxyl group that assists the reactivity of alkynes, which makes the procedure of Michael addition proceeded smoothly, has been proposed.