An intriguing and facile one-pot catalytic synthesis of N-alkylated lactams

Abstract

Catalyzed by Raney nickel, hydrogenation of 1,2-adamantane oxime esters or cyano esters afforded the unexpected N-alkylated lactams in good to moderate yields, probably proceeding through the so-called hydrogen autotransfer process. This reaction provided an efficient one-pot method for synthesis of N-alkylated lactams which had significant anti-influenza A activity.