Methyl-triflate-mediated dearylmethylation of N-(arylmethyl)carboxamides via the retro-Mannich reaction induced by electrophilic dearomatization/rearomatization in an aqueous medium at room temperature

Abstract

We have developed a protocol for the dearylmethylation of N-(arylmethyl)carboxamides under metal-free conditions in an aqueous medium at room temperature. This protocol involves methyl triflate-mediated successive C–C and C–N bond cleavages (retro-Mannich reaction) induced by electrophilic dearomatization/rearomatization. The dearomatization/rearomatization strategy can be expected to inspire the development of novel transformations based on the C–C bond cleavage in an environmentally benign manner.