Efficient and Divergent Synthesis of α‐Halogenated Amides and Esters by Double Electrophilic Activation of Ynamides

An efficient and modular entry to α‐halogenated amides and esters is reported. This reaction is based on an underestimated double electrophilic activation of ynamides sequentially involving highly reactive activated keteniminium and iminium ions. Upon simple reaction with HCl and an electrophilic halogenation reagent in the presence of water or an alcohol, a broad range of ynamides can be transformed, in a highly divergent manner, to α‐halo amides and esters with high efficiency and under mild conditions.