Synthesis of Dienamides via Palladium-catalyzed Oxidative N-α,β-Dehydrogenation of Amides

Org Lett. 2024 May 24;26(20):4218-4223. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c01052. Epub 2024 May 15.

Abstract

Enamides and their derivatives are prominent bioactive pharmacophores found in various bioactive molecules. Herein we report a palladium-catalyzed oxidative N-α,β-dehydrogenation of amides to produce a range of enamides with high yields and excellent tolerance toward different functional groups. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction involves allylic C(sp3)-H activation followed by β-H elimination. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules and the synthesis of valuable compounds through product elaboration.