Copper(II) Triflate As a Reusable Catalyst for the Synthesis of trans-4,5-Diamino-cyclopent-2-enones in Water.

trans-4,5-Diamino-cyclopent-2-enones (CP) are usually prepared by Lewis acid-catalyzed condensation of furfural and a secondary amine in an organic solvent. The reaction proceeds through the formation of a Stenhouse salt (SS) intermediate followed by an electrocyclization reaction to afford the desired CP. Herein, we described the use of Cu(OTf) ₂ as a very efficient catalyst for the synthesis of CP in water at room temperature. Furthermore, the mild reaction conditions, catalyst reusability, and outstanding functional group tolerance suggest that this CP platform can be further used in chemical biology.