Ynamide-Mediated Ketone Synthesis

Org Lett. 2026 May 29;28(21):6655-6659. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6c01482. Epub 2026 May 12.

Abstract

A ynamide-mediated ketone synthesis from readily available carboxylic acids and Grignard reagents is described. It takes advantage of a nucleophilic attack reaction of C-nucleophile to α-acyloxyenamides to facilitate an efficient C-C bond formation under mild conditions. Direct use of carboxylic acids and the one-pot strategy enhance the practicality and generality of the strategy by obviating the need for purification of intermediates. Notably, N-protected α-amino acids and peptidyl acids are compatible with this protocol, allowing direct access to their corresponding ketones with retention of stereochemical integrity. It provides a practical and efficient approach for peptidyl ketones, where precise chiral fidelity is crucial for biological activity.

MeSH terms

  • Amides* / chemistry
  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Carboxylic Acids* / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Ketones* / chemical synthesis
  • Ketones* / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Ketones
  • Amides
  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Amino Acids