Nanocrystalline copper(II) oxide catalyzed aza-Michael reaction and insertion of α-diazo compounds into N–H bonds of amines

Nanocrystalline copper(II) oxide efficiently catalyzed the conjugate addition of aliphatic amines to α,β-unsaturated compounds to produce β-amino compounds with excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Similarly, Glycine esters are obtained in good yields by the insertion of α-diazoacetate into N–H bonds of amines. The catalyst is used for three cycles with minimal loss of activity.