2-Aryl propionamides via 1,4-aryl radical migration from N-arylsulfonyl-2-bromopropionamides

Reaction of N-alkyl-N-arylsulfonyl-2-halo-propionamides with pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and either CuBr or CuCl leads to 2-aryl propionamides via initial radical generation, 1,4-aryl migration with loss of SO2 and reduction of the intermediate amidyl radical in 40-99% yields. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.