One-pot synthesis of 1,5-diaza-2,6-cyclooctadiene-3,7-dicarboxylates through a multiple-component reaction

Methyl propiolate, formaldehyde, and various acyclic amines were assembled in one-pot into a series of 1,5-diaza-2,6-cyclooctadiene-3,7-dicarboxylates in moderate to good yields. This multiple-component reaction benefits from operational simplicity as well as good material economy.