Iron‐Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling Reaction of Isocyanides and Simple Alkanes towards Amide Synthesis

Abstract

AbstractAn iron‐catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction of isocyanide and readily available alkane has been disclosed. In the presence of a catalytic amount of FeCp2 (10 mol%), heating a mixture of alkane, isocyanide, and DTBP in DCE allows for the formation of an amide. This reaction tolerates many simple alkanes including cycloalkanes and chain alkanes. Furthermore, a series of aromatic isocyanides having different substituents on the aromatic ring are also proven to be effective reaction components. Unfortunately, the employment of aliphatic isocyanides fails to afford the desired products. The present strategy avoids tedious procedures and the employment of toxic starting materials, thus providing an environmentally benign and efficient protocol towards amide synthesis.magnified image