Access to Amide from Aldimine via Aerobic Oxidative Carbene Catalysis and LiCl as Cooperative Lewis Acid.

Herein, an efficient route to amides from aldimines via aza-Breslow intermediates through aerobic oxidative carbene catalysis with LiCl as a cooperative Lewis acid is described. Many of the obtained N-heteroarylamides feature biological activity. Ambient air was used as the sole oxidant and source of oxygen in this catalytically oxidative amidation. This method allows for a broad substrate scope and mild conditions. The aza-Breslow intermediate derivative was isolated and its crystal structure confirmed.