Zinc(II) Mediated Imine–Enamine Tautomerization

Abstract

Reduction of imine–anthracenone compounds selectively produces secondary alcohols leaving the external imine group unreacted. Addition of the Zn(II) ion induces a metal-mediated imine–enamine tautomerization reaction that is selective for Zn(II), a new fluorescence detection method not previously observed for this important cation