[3+3] annulation of allylic phosphoryl-stabilized carbanions/phosphorus ylides and vinyl azides: a practice strategy for synthesis of polyfunctionalized anilines.

Tandem Michael addition and Witting or Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination initiated [3+3] annulation between vinyl azides and allylic phosphorus ylides or allylic phosphoryl-stabilized carbanions has been developed. This one-pot protocol furnishes highly functionalized anilines in good to excellent yields under mild, room-temperature conditions. A rational mechanism is also proposed.