Oxidative Coupling of Diazo and NH4I: A Route to Primary Oxamates and α-Ketoamides.

A simple and efficient method has been developed for the preparation of primary oxamates and α-ketoamides through the oxidative coupling of diazo compounds and NH4I. Under the optimized reaction conditions, a range of diazoesters and α-diazoketones was explored, and the corresponding products were obtained in moderate to good yields. This protocol is metal-free, is performed under mild conditions, has a wide substrate scope, and offers operational simplicity.