A novel one-pot synthesis of vicinal diamines with benzaldehyde and aniline derivatives mediated by BiCl3/Zn

A novel, mild, inexpensive, nontoxic, and effective, one-pot synthesis of vicinal diamines with benzaldehyde and aniline derivatives mediated by 10% of BiCl3 and 3 equiv of Zn in ethanol at reflux temperature has been developed and systematically investigated. A wide range of substituted vicinal diamines compounds were obtained in good to excellent yields. The scope and limitations of this reaction have been examined. Steric and electronic effects of reactants have been discussed.