Synthesis of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds using N‐Cbz Amides as an Acyl Source under Transition‐metal‐free Conditions at Room Temperature

Abstract A wide range of functionalized N ‐Cbz amides underwent base‐promoted C−C coupling reactions with enolizable esters, ketones and amides to afford 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds under mild conditions. The reactions proceeded at room temperature in the presence of LiHMDS in cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME). The desired β‐ketoesters, β‐keto amides and 1,3‐diketones were obtained in good to excellent yields in a short reaction time. Broad substrate scope, functional group tolerance and metal‐free conditions are the merits of the developed methodology.