Chemoselective Synthesis of Aryl Ketones from Amides and Grignard Reagents via C(O)-N Bond Cleavage under Catalyst-Free Conditions

J Org Chem. 2019 Sep 20;84(18):11823-11838. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b01699. Epub 2019 Sep 4.

Abstract

Conversion of a wide range of N-Boc amides to aryl ketones was achieved with Grignard reagents via chemoselective C(O)-N bond cleavage. The reactions proceeded under catalyst-free conditions with different aryl, alkyl, and alkynyl Grignard reagents. α-Ketoamide was successfully converted to aryl diketones, while α,β-unsaturated amide underwent 1,4-addition followed by C(O)-N bond cleavage to provide diaryl propiophenones. N-Boc amides displayed higher reactivity than Weinreb amides with Grignard reagents. A broad substrate scope, excellent yields, and quick conversion are important features of this methodology.