Catalyst-free direct synthesis of β-enaminones through reaction of benzohydrazonamides with cyclic 1,3-diketones: Access to exocyclic β-enaminones

The reaction of benzohydrazonamides with cyclic 1,3-diketones affords β-enaminones in good to excellent yields (14 examples, 69 − 89%). This transformation proceeds under mild reaction conditions (ethyl acetate, 25 °C, 12 − 24 h) in the absence of any catalyst and gives access to novel nitrogen-rich organic scaffolds.