Chris Hulme on the Ugi synthesis

I just heard back from Christopher Hulme about his opinion on doing a Ugi synthesis in the presence of phenols and other alcohols. Here are his comments:

The reaction is sensitive to the reagents used. Generally aliphatic aldehydes, non-anilinic amines, most isonitriles (TOSMIC does give lower yields - electron deficient) and acids are ok. I believe you will see some product with phenols and primary alcohols, although I suspect yields would be higher if protected.

This is pretty much in line with our thoughts so far. Cautious optimism that we might not need to protect alochols.