Facile synthesis of propargylamines by metal-free doubly decarboxylative coupling†

Doubly decarboxylative coupling between two different carboxylic acids to form a new C–C bond is a powerful tool for the rapid assembly of complex compounds. Herein, we report a metal-free three-component decarboxylative strategy for the construction of diverse propargylamines in good yields with high chemoselectivity. This operationally simple method can be applied to various amino acids, α-keto acids, and terminal alkynes, providing a powerful new protocol for propargylamine synthesis. The reaction without the addition of metal catalysts has the advantages of broad scope and functional group compatibility, and environmental friendliness.