Rhodium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Amides from Functionalized Blocked Isocyanates

Isocyanates are useful building blocks for the synthesis of amides, although their widespread use has been limited by their high reactivity, which often results in poor functional group tolerance and a propensity to oligomerize. Herein, a rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of amides is described coupling boroxines with blocked (masked) isocyanates. The success of the reaction hinges on the ability to form both the isocyanate and the organorhodium intermediates in situ. Relying on masked isocyanate precursors and on the high reactivity of the organorhodium intermediate results in broad functional group tolerance, including protic nucleophilic groups such as amines, anilines, and alcohols.