Nanoceria-Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of α-Hydroxy Amides through the Reduction of an Unusual Class of α-Keto Amides

Herein, we report the preparation of a heterogeneous, efficient, and recyclable ceria nanosphere (NS) catalyst, which was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis with oxalic acid as a capping agent. The morphology and thermal stability of the catalyst were studied by using SEM, XRD, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This nanoceria catalyst was used for the chemoselective hydrogenation of deactivated alpha-keto amides by using NaBH4. This reaction did not work in the absence of the nanoceria catalyst. A series of substituted hydroxy amides were prepared in very good yields with low catalyst loading.