Decarbonylative Coupling of α-Keto Acids and Ynamides for Synthesis of β-Keto Imides.

A novel decarbonylative coupling of α-keto acids and ynamides with extrusion of CO for synthesis of β-keto imides is reported. This process features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and high efficiency. An isotope-labeling reaction and GC analysis were conducted to elucidate a plausible reaction mechanism.