Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed reductive N–O bond cleavage of N-OR (R = H, alkyl, or acyl) substituted amides and sulfonamides

Abstract

With a commercially available ruthenium(II) catalyst and a mixture of HCOOH/NEt₃ as the hydride source under an air atmosphere, a convenient method for the reductive cleavage of N–O bonds was described. This catalytic system was applicable for a variety of N-oxygen-substituted amides, as well as N-alkoxy sulfonamides, efficiently delivering the corresponding amide or primary sulfonamide products with good functional group tolerance in moderate to good yields.