N-H insertion reactions of rhodium carbenoids. Part 5: A convenient route to 1,3-azoles

Dirhodium(II) carboxylate catalysed reaction of diazocarbonyl compounds 2 in the presence of primary amides 1 results in the formation of alpha-acylaminoketones 3 (12 examples) by N-H insertion reaction of the intermediate rhodium carbene. The 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds 3 are readily converted into structurally diverse oxazoles 4 (11 examples) by cyclodehydration, thiazoles 5 (10 examples) by treatment with Lawesson's reagent, or imidazoles 6 (2 examples) by reaction with ammonia or methylamine. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.