N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed oxidation of unactivated aldimines to amides via imine umpolung under aerobic conditions.

Herein, we disclose an NHC-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of unactivated aldimines for the synthesis of amides via umpolung of imines proceeding through an aza-Breslow intermediate. We have developed an eco-friendly method for the conversion of imines to amides by using molecular oxygen in air as the sole oxidant and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a green solvent under mild reaction conditions. Broad substrate scope, high yields and gram scale syntheses expand the practicality of the developed method.