Direct use of formamides as amino group sources via C–N bond cleavage: a catalytic oxidative synthesis of α-ketoamides from acetophenones and formamides under metal-free conditions

An efficient and direct use of formamides as amino group sources for the synthesis of α-ketoamides was developed under metal-free conditions. The reaction was based on the oxidative coupling of acetophenones with formamides and generated the desired products in good yields in the presence of t-BuOOH/I2/PhCO2H.