DBU-mediated synthesis of amides from carbodiimides and unstrained 1,3-diketones†

Abstract

A DBU-mediated synthesis of amides by using the readily available carbodiimides as nitrogen sources and unstrained 1,3-ketones as acyl sources has been developed. This reaction proceeds through the cleavage of two CN bonds of the carbodiimides, two C(CO)–C bonds of 1,3-diketones and the formation of two new C(CO)–N bonds, simultaneously.