Synthesis of Amides and Phthalimides via a Palladium Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Halides with Formic Acid and Carbodiimides.

A novel method for the preparation of amides and phthalimides has been developed. The process involves a palladium catalyzed aminocarbonylation of an aryl halide, using a carbodiimide and formic acid as the carbonyl source. Experimental data suggest that the mechanistic pathway for this process involves in-situ generation of carbon monoxide from the reaction of formic acid with a carbodiimide in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The method can be used to produce a variety of amides and N-substituted phthalimides efficiently.

Synthesis of Pyrroles through Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Reactions of Allylamines and Alkenes.

Pyrrole derivatives are generated in reactions of allylamines with alkenes that are promoted by a Rh(III) catalyst in the presence of AgOAc. This process, which involves chelation assisted C-H bond activation and N-annulation, is applied to a three step synthesis of Zomepirac.