Diels-Alder reactions compatible functional

In a second attempt to extend the scope of Lewis-acid catalysis of Diels-Alder reactions in water, we have used the Mannich reaction to convert a ketone-activated monodentate dienophile into a potentially chelating p-amino ketone. The Mannich reaction seemed ideally suited for the purpose of introducing a second coordination site on a temporary basis. This reaction adds a strongly Lewis-basic amino functionality on a position p to the ketone. Moreover, the Mannich reaction is usually a reversible process, which should allow removal of the auxiliary after the reaction. Furthermore, the reaction is compatible with the use of an aqueous medium. Some Mannich reactions have even been reported to benefit from the use of water ". Finally, Lewis-acid catalysis of Mannich-type reactions in mixtures of organic solvents and water has been reported ". Hence, if both addition of the auxiliary and the subsequent Diels-Alder reaction benefit from Lewis-acid catalysis, the possibility arises of merging these steps into a one-pot procedure. 

Sensitive dienol ether functionality in the diene carboxylate was shown to be compatible with the conditions of the aqueous Diels-Alder reaction (Eq. 12.26).84 The dienes in the Diels-Alder reactions can also bear other water-solubilizing groups such as the sodium salt of phosphoric acid and dienyl ammonium chloride (Eq. 12.27).85 The hydrophilic acid functionality can also be located at the dienophile.86... 

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