Selectfluor-mediated oxidative methylenation of amide with N,N-dimethylpropanamide for N,N'-methylenebisamide synthesis

A simple and efficient approach for the synthesis of N,N'-methylenebisamides through a Selectfluor-mediated oxidative reaction of aromatic amides and N,N-dimethylpropanamide (DMP) is described. Remarkable results clearly reveal that DMP plays a dual role in this reaction, as both a one-carbon source and an environment-friendly solvent. Moreover, the process provides new strategies for the synthesis of bisamides with advantages of operationally simple, insensitive to atmospheric conditions, and good to high yields.