Ceric Ammonium Nitrate Catalysed Stereoselective Synthesis of β-Aminoketones Using 3-Aryl-4-Formylsydnones

A simple and efficient catalytic method has been designed for the synthesis of a series of novel β-aminoketones using 3-aryl-4-formylsydnone, primary aromatic amine and cyclohexanone in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN). The percentages of syn and anti isomers formed were elucidated using 1H NMR spectral studies. The anti isomer was the major product.