1,2-Amidoarylcarbonylation of Styrenes to Access β-Acylamino Ketones by NHC-Catalyzed Radical Relay.

An amidoarylcarbonylation reaction of aromatic aldehydes and olefins with Katritzky pyridinium salts by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed radical relay to construct C-C and C-N bonds with good functional group tolerance is developed for the synthesis of β-acylamino ketones. This gentle and efficient approach offers a valuable style for the synthesis of β-acylamino ketones. Mechanistic studies revealed that a radical addition/coupling/elimination cascade process was involved in this reaction.