Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Dicarbonylation of Amines with Ethylene to Imides.

The selective and effective conversion of low-cost and simple bulk chemicals into high value-added products through catalytic strategy has a wide range of practical significance. Here, a palladium-catalyzed method for the direct and efficient dicarbonylation of amines with basic industrial feedstock ethylene to imide has been developed. Moderate to excellent yields of the desired imides can be produced from readily available amines in a straightforward manner.