One-pot green synthesis of N-acetylglycine from renewable N-acetyl glucosamine

Abstract

One-pot synthesis of N-acetylglycine from N-acetyl glucosamine using a combination of heterogeneous MgO and Ag₂O was demonstrated, achieving an enhanced yield of 29% in water under mild conditions. Compared to traditional methods, environment unfriendly Strecker reactions are avoided. Experimental and DFT results revealed that 2-acetamido acetaldehyde was identified as the main intermediate. This work provides an example for self-nitrogen supplied synthesis of valuable organonitrogen compounds from chitin biomass.