Synthesis of biaryl ketones by arylation of Weinreb amides with functionalized Grignard reagents under thermodynamic control vs. kinetic control of N,N-Boc2-amides?

Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Pub Date: 2020-04-27 DOI: 10.1039/D0OB00813C

Abstract

A highly efficient method for chemoselective synthesis of biaryl ketones by arylation of Weinreb amides (N-methoxy-N-methylamides) with functionalized Grignard reagents is reported. This protocol offers rapid entry to functionalized biaryl ketones after Mg/halide exchange with i-PrMgCl·LiCl under operationally-simple and practical reaction conditions. The scope of the method is highlighted in >40 examples, including bioactive compounds and pharmaceutical derivatives. Collectively, this transition-metal-free approach offers a major advantage over the recently established cross-coupling of amides by oxidative addition of N–C(O) bonds. Considering the utility of amide acylation reactions in modern synthesis, we expect that this method will be of broad interest.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of biaryl ketones by arylation of Weinreb amides with functionalized Grignard reagents under thermodynamic control vs. kinetic control of N,N-Boc2-amides
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