Visible-light initiated copper( I)-catalysed oxidative C-N coupling of anilines with terminal alkynes: one-step synthesis of α-ketoamides

Development of C-N coupling processes is fundamentally important and challenging for the synthesis of biologically active molecules and drugs. Herein, we report a highly atom efficient green process for the synthesis of alpha-ketoamides via visible-light induced copper(I) chloride catalysed direct oxidative C-sp-N coupling reactions using commercially available alkynes and anilines at room temperature without the use of hazardous chemicals and harsh reaction conditions. Forty-seven examples are presented using a broad range of substrates including electron deficient anilines and various terminal alkynes. The current photochemical process is able to achieve epoxide hydrolase inhibitors in one step with high yield (92-95%). This transformation is highly efficient and highly selective for the synthesis of alpha-ketoamides.