Methyl ketone break-and-rebuild: a strategy for full α-heterofunctionalization of acetophenones

Abstract

The Willgerodt reaction under iron-catalyzed aerobic conditions was found to be an excellent tool for full α-heterofunctionalization of acetophenones with sulfur and amines. Via this break-and rebuild strategy, a wide range of thioglyoxamides was synthesized in a four-component, highly atom-, step- and redox-economical manner with water as the only by-product.