Alternative to benzoquinone for room-temperature Fujiwara-Moritani reactions

J Org Chem. 2011 Oct 7;76(19):8022-6. doi: 10.1021/jo201164m. Epub 2011 Aug 29.

Abstract

tert-Butyl perbenzoate is a substitute for benzoquinone for mild (room-temperature) Fujiwara-Moritani reactions between acetanilides and butyl acrylate under homogeneous conditions. The system was enhanced further by including Cu(OAc)(2) as a cocatalyst. Methyl methacrylate can be activated toward coupling under these conditions.