Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed reductive N-O bond cleavage of N-OR (R = H, alkyl, or acyl) substituted amides and sulfonamides

With a commercially available ruthenium(II) catalyst and a mixture of HCOOH/NEt3 as the hydride source under an air atmosphere, a convenient method for the reductive cleavage of N-O bonds was described. This catalytic system was applicable for a variety of N-oxygen-substituted amides, as well as N-alkoxy sulfonamides, efficiently delivering the corresponding amide or primary sulfonamide products with good functional group tolerance in moderate to good yields.

Automated summary

A convenient method for the reductive cleavage of N-O bonds was described using a commercially available ruthenium(II) catalyst and a mixture of HCOOH/NEt3 as the hydride source under an air atmosphere. This catalytic system was applicable for a variety of N-oxygen-substituted amides, efficiently delivering the corresponding products with good functional group tolerance in moderate to good yields.