Synthesis of alpha-keto-imides via oxidation of ynamides

A de novo preparation of alpha-keto-imides via ynamide oxidation is described. With a number of alkyne oxidation conditions screened, a highly efficient RuO2-NaIO4 mediated oxidation and a DMDO oxidation have been identified to tolerate a wide range of ynamide types. In addition to accessing a wide variety of alpha-keto-imides, the RuO2-NaIO4 protocol provides a novel entry to the vicinal tricarbonyl motif via oxidation of push-pull ynamides, and imido acylsilanes from silyl-substituted ynamides. Chemoselective oxidation of ynamides containing olefins can be achieved by using DMDO, while the RuO2-NaIO4 protocol is not effective. These studies provide further support for the synthetic utility of ynamides.     

A stereoselective intramolecular halo-etherification of chiral enamides in the synthesis of halogenated cyclic ethers

A stereoselective halo-etherification of chiral enamides is described here. This work provides an approach to halogen containing cyclic ethers and reveals further mechanistic insights to the chemistry of chiral enamides.     

Reactive intermediates from DMDO oxidation of ynamides. Trapping of a de novo chiral push-pull carbene via cyclopropanation

The reaction profile of DMDO oxidations of ynamides is described. This work illustrates the first examples of highly diastereoselective intramolecular cyclopropanations of a push-pull carbene derived from alkyne oxidation. In addition, the ynamide oxidation provides facile access to ketoimides and reveals mechanistic insights into the chemistry of electronically biased oxirenes.