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In this study, the first highly chemoselective amidation of Boc and amide groups of N -R- N -Boc arylamides is advanced. This practical and operationally-simple method enables the preparation of either N -aroylureas or imides in good to excellent yields without addition of transition metals. The choice of base plays a significant role in controlling the reactivity of the inequivalent carbonyl groups. The amidation of the Boc group was observed with arylamides, ArCONH 2 , when subjected to KO t Bu while imides were produced with LiOH. DFT studies are employed to explore the divergent mechanisms. It is anticipated that these chemoselective methods will be of interest to the synthetic and medicinal chemistry communities. 

Chemoselectivity is one of the most challenging issues facing the chemical sciences. In this study, the first highly chemoselective reactions of N -acylpyrroles via either an anionic Fries rearrangement (pyrrole dance) or a C–H functionalization of toluene to provide aryl benzyl ketones are advanced. This efficient and operationally simple approach enables the synthesis of either 2-aroylpyrroles or aryl benzyl ketones in good to excellent yields under transition metal-free conditions. The choice of base plays a crucial role in controlling the chemoselectivity. The aroylation of toluene derivatives was observed with N -acylpyrroles when subjected to KN(SiMe 3 ) 2 , while anionic Fries rearrangement products were produced with LiN(SiMe 3 ) 2 . Surprisingly, cross-over experiments indicate that the anionic Fries rearrangement is an intermolecular process. The aroylation reaction has the advantage over Weinreb amide chemistry in that it does not require preformed organometallic reagents or cryogenic temperatures.