Functionalisation of aldehydes via aerobic hydroacylation of azodicarboxylates 'on' water

Herein we report the functionalisation of aldehydes via hydroacylation of azodicarboxylates. A range of functionalised aldehydes are employed as the limiting reagent including chiral non-racemic aldehydes bearing alpha-stereocentres which are functionalised giving access to enantiomerically pure products. The resultant hydrazides can be employed as acyl donors in the synthesis of amides.