FeCl3-catalyzed selective acylation of amines with 1,3-diketones via C-C bond cleavage

We describe a novel FeCl3 catalyzed selective acylation of amines involving the C-C bond cleavage of simple 1,3-diketones. The process proceeds efficiently under a neat condition to give structurally diverse amides. Notably, the acylation process displays high selectivity toward amines over hydroxyl functionality. Traditionally difficult aromatic amines and sterically demanding disubstituted amines can engage in the process with high efficiency. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.