Abstract
Aminals, characterized by a central carbon linking two nitrogen atoms, are versatile
building blocks in modern chemistry. This review addresses a literature gap by exploring
the synthesis and applications of aminals, with a focus on drug discovery and molecular
diversity. Beyond medicinal chemistry, aminals find applications as key components
in bioactive compounds and as versatile tools in materials chemistry. The review covers
fundamental characteristics, synthetic methodologies, stability, and applications,
emphasizing alternative synthetic methods to the well-established aldehyde–amine condensation.
This inclusive exploration provides insights into diverse synthetic pathways that
expand the versatility of the aminal scaffold.
1 Introduction
2 The Aminal Group
3 Aminal Synthesis
3.1 Metal-Free Approaches
3.2 Metal-Catalyzed Approaches
3.3 Photoredox Methodologies
3.4 Via Rearrangements
3.5 Via Decarboxylative Coupling
4 Aminals as Synthetic Tools
5 Synthesis of Aminal-Containing Natural Products
6 Aminal-Based Materials
7 Conclusions
Key words
aminals -
N,
N-acetals - aminal synthesis - aminal stability - nitrogen heterocycles - synthetic
tools
