The mechanochemical N-alkylation of imide derivatives was studied. Reactions under solvent-free conditions in a ball mill gave good yields and could be put in place of the classical solution conditions. The method is general and can be applied to various imides and alkyl halides. Phthalimides prepared under ball milling conditions were used in a mechanochemical Gabriel synthesis of amines by th...

A metal-free radical oxidative carbonylation of alkanes is demonstrated, yielding esters and imides by means of di-tert-butylperoxide as an oxidant. Various alkanes, alcohols and amides were compatible in this system generating the desired carbonyl products in up to 86% yields. We proposed a plausible radical cross-coupling process based on the preliminary mechanistic studies.

Nitrogen heterocycles are ubiquitous in natural products and pharmaceuticals. Herein, we disclose a nitrogen complexation strategy that employs a strong Brønsted acid (HBF4) or an azaphilic Lewis acid (BF3) to enable remote, non-directed C(sp(3))-H oxidations of tertiary, secondary, and primary amine- and pyridine-containing molecules with tunable iron catalysts. Imides resist oxidation and pro...

ABSTRACT A Lewis acid–promoted nucleophilic addition of methallyltrimethylsilane to a chiral α-keto imide proceeded with stereoselectivity opposite that predicted from Soai's report. The difference in the structure imides between and our cases might have affected diastereofacial selectivity.

A series of air-stable ferrocenylphosphines LB1-LB8 were designed and prepared in high yields. (R,SFc)-ferrocenylphosphine LB5 was found to efficiently promote the asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition of Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates with maleimides to afford the corresponding bicyclic imides with 84-99% ee and 67-99% yield. Interestingly, the configuration of these products was contrary to thos...