A Straightforward Synthesis of α‐Amino Diaryl Ketones from (Hetero)Arylacetonitriles Promoted by N‐Bromosuccinimide

Abstract

A facile and straightforward approach has been developed for the synthesis of a-amino diaryl ketones. This strategy utilizes simple, cheap, stable, non-toxic arylacetonitriles as a key starting material and is effectively promoted by N-Bromosuccinimide. This reaction proceeds via the involvement of three consecutive steps in a one-pot manner without isolating any intermediates and displays remarkable functional group tolerance. Gram-scale syntheses of a-amino ketone demonstrate the practicality of the protocol.

Recent advances in the synthesis of α-amino ketones

“…Kumar later developed a related NBSmediated synthesis with cyclic amines, allowing the efficient synthesis of α-arylated amino ketones. 37 The quantity of the halogen source may be reduced by using a stoichiometric peroxide-based oxidant. In 2012, Lamani reported that aryl/heteroaryl-ketones (14) with aliphatic or aromatic substituents on the α-position were successfully aminated with cyclic secondary amines (15) in up to 80% yield when treated with N-iodosuccinimide (30 mol%) and tertbutyl hydroperoxide (Scheme 4).…”