Unexpected Direct Synthesis of N-Vinyl Amides through Vinyl Azide-Enolate [3+2] Cycloaddition

The unexpected synthesis of industrially important N-vinyl amides directly from aldehydes and α,β-unsaturated N-vinyl amides from esters is reported. This reaction probably proceeds through an initial [3+2] azide-enolate cycloaddition involving a vinyl azide generated in situ. A survey of the reaction scope and preliminary mechanistic findings supported by quantum computational analysis are reported, with implications for the future development of atom-efficient amide synthesis. Intriguingly, this study suggests that (cautious) reevaluation of azidoethene as a synthetic reagent may be warranted.