Metal-Free Catalyst-Controlled Chemoselective Synthesis of Aryl α-Ketoesters and Primary α-Ketoamides from Aryl Acetimidates

摘要

A simple and chemoselective method has been developed for the divergent synthesis of aryl a-ketoesters and primary aketoamides from pre-functionalized arylacetimidates under metal-free conditions. The chemoselective outcome is controlled by the subtle catalyst. This methodology features operational simplicity with broad substrate scope, metal-free catalyst, and usage of easy to handle reagents. Based on a series of control experiments, a plausible reaction mechanism is also proposed.