A Novel Method for the Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated Amides Mediated by Samarium Diiodide

Abstract

Promoted by Samarium diiodide (SmI2), a,b-unsaturated amides were formed from nitrogen anions (formed in situ by the reduction of nitro compounds) and a,b-unsaturated esters. This reaction contrasts with the conjugate addition between amines and a,b-unsaturated esters promoted by samarium triiodide (SmI 3 ) and provides an alternative attractive way to obtain a,b-unsaturated amides using SmI 2 .