Practical and robust access to enimides via the DMAPO-catalyzed coupling of carboxylic acids with secondary enamides

Abstract

Herein, a new protocol for the preparation of α-aryl N-vinylimides has been successfully developed. With carboxylic acids as the acyl source, a range of N-vinylamides could react with carboxylic acids, enabled by a DMAPO/Boc₂O system. The application of enimides as a radical acceptor for photocatalytic cyclopropanation and N → C acyl migration reactions was also demonstrated. This acylation method features a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.