Waste-Minimized, Solvent-Free and Continuous Flow Synthesis of Α-Ketoamides from Aryl Methyl Ketones Using Recyclable Cubr2 Catalyst, Via Bromo Intermediate

Abstract

Abstract: The α-ketoamide functional groups are abundant in variety of drug molecules such as tacrolimus (immunosuppressant), boceprevir (antiviral), telaprevir (antiviral), and varespladib (anti-inflammatory). Molecular oxygen is an environmentally benign and cost-effective reagent, used as an oxidant. The Solvent-free synthesis reduces environment pollution and cost of pharmaceuticals manufacturing. A new copper(II) bromide catalysed method for the synthesis of α-ketoamides from aryl ketones and amines, in presence of molecular oxygen, in a solvent-free condition and flow reactor is reported. This is the first copper(II)bromide-catalysed synthesis of α-ketoamides which proceeds in via bromo intermediate, in comparison to traditional copper(I)-catalysed reaction (enamine intermediate). The CuBr2 catalyst was recovered and successfully recycled. The reaction was successfully performed in a continuous flow reactor to reduce the time of reaction (residence time: 20min).

Keywords: Keto amides, CuBr2, Acetophenones, Flow reactor, waste-minimized