Pd-Catalyzed Oxidation of Aldimines to Amides

Abstract

Methods for the synthesis of amides via the direct oxidation of imines are rarely reported. Here we report an efficient method for Pd-catalyzed oxidation of imines to amide derivatives by the use of cheap aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant through a Wacker-type reaction. This method is practically convenient and displays high functional group tolerance, allowing a variety of imines to transform into the corresponding amide derivatives in moderate to good yields.