Addition reaction of tertiary amines to dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate mediated by molecular iodine is described. The trialkylamines afford dealkylative adducts in moderate to good yields. Amines containing an aryl group react sluggishly in low yields with a loss of alkyl group.
Keywords: Dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, molecular iodine, addition reaction, trialkylamines.