Oxamic acids: useful precursors of carbamoyl radicals

This review article describes the recent development in the chemistry of carbamoyl radicals generated from oxamic acids. This mild and efficient method compares well with previous methods of generation of these nucleophilic radicals. The oxidative decarboxylation of oxamic acids can be mediated through thermal, photochemical, electrochemical or photoelectrochemical means, generating carbamoyl radicals, which may further add to unsaturated systems to provide a broad range of important amides. Oxidative decarboxylation of oxamic acids also offers a straightforward entry for the preparation of urethanes, ureas, and thioureas.

Automated summary

This review article highlights the recent developments in the chemistry of carbamoyl radicals generated from oxamic acids. These radicals are efficiently and mildly generated through oxidative decarboxylation of oxamic acids using various methods. The generated carbamoyl radicals can further react with unsaturated systems to produce a wide range of important amides. Additionally, this method allows for the straightforward preparation of urethanes, ureas, and thioureas.