A microwave-enhanced, solventless Mannich condensation of terminal alkynes and secondary amines with para-formaldehyde on cuprous iodide doped alumina has been developed. β-Aminoalkynes are generated in good yields. The reaction can be extended to include a cyclization, which affords 2-substituted benzo [b] furans. The chemoselectivity of the reaction indicates that terminal alkynes are much more reactive than enolizable ...
