A new regio- and stereoselective synthesis of β-enamino ketones with 3-ethoxycyclobutanones and substituted amines

A new method toward regio- and stereoselective synthesis of β-enamino ketones is described. Through Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions between 3-ethoxycyclobutanones and substituted amines, a variety of cis and trans β-enamino ketone derivatives were prepared with complete regio- and stereoselectivity at room temperature.