Selective N‐Monovinylation of Primary Aromatic Amides Using Calcium Carbide as an Alkyne Source

Abstract An efficient method for the selective N ‐monovinylation of primary aromatic amides using calcium carbide as an alkyne source is described. A series of N ‐vinylbenzamides (enamides) were readily synthesized by this strategy. The salient features for this protocol are the use of inexpensive, easy‐to‐handle solid alkyne source, high chemoselectivity, transition metal catalyst‐free, good functional group tolerance, and simple work‐up procedures. These reactions can also be extended to the gram‐scale level.