Carboxyl Transfer of α-Keto Acids toward Oxazolidinones via Decarboxylation/Fixation of Liberated CO2.

A novel strategy for the direct carboxyl transfer involving a decarboxylative A3 reaction of α-keto acids, primary amines, and alkynes has been developed under a Cu(I)/Cu(II) binary catalysis system. This multicomponent reaction provides a facile and efficient approach for the production of a diverse range of 2-oxazolidinones in moderate to excellent yields through a one-pot CO2 elimination-fixation procedure. The conciseness of the "CO2 recycling" process makes this ideal synthesis superior over classical CO2 utilization.