Dichotomy of Atom-Economical Hydrogen-Free Reductive Amidation vs Exhaustive Reductive Amination

Org Lett. 2017 Oct 20;19(20):5657-5660. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.7b02821. Epub 2017 Sep 29.

Abstract

Rh-catalyzed one-step reductive amidation of aldehydes has been developed. The protocol does not require an external hydrogen source and employs carbon monoxide as a deoxygenative agent. The direction of the reaction can be altered simply by changing the solvent: reaction in THF leads to amides, whereas methanol favors formation of tertiary amines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't