Hydrogen-bonding-controlled stereospecific synthesis of Z-enamides.

In this study, a series of Z-enamide compounds were synthesized from α-amino ketones and alkynyl esters. Using triethylamine as the base catalyst, the reaction proceeded smoothly at room temperature to yield stereospecific products with high yields. Two X-ray crystals of products confirmed the crucial role of hydrogen bonding in stereospecificity.