Microwave-Promoted Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Iodides, Aryl Bromides, and Aryl Chlorides in Water

Abstract

Fast and direct methods have been developed for the small-scale carbonylative preparation of benzamides from aryl iodides, bromides, and chlorides in pure water. The reactions proceed by palladium catalysis using noninert conditions, solid Mo(CO)6 as the CO source, and controlled microwave superheating. Within 15 min of microwave processing, more than 90 aminocarbonylations were successfully performed in useful to excellent yields employing both primary and secondary amines. Using appropriate ratios of starting amines and aryl halides, the competing hydroxycarbonylation reaction was suppressed and only trace amounts of the corresponding carboxylic acids were detected. Based on this aqueous carbonylation, a facile preparation of a novel HIV-1 protease inhibitor was achieved.