Palladium-Catalyzed Migratory Insertion of Carbenes and C–C Cleavage of Cycloalkanecarboxamides

A palladium catalyzed reaction of cycloalkanecarboxamides and diazomalonates or bis(phenylsulfonyl)diazomethane has been developed. The reaction proceeds via carbene migratory insertion and cascade C-C cleavage pathways. Cycloalkanecarboxamides with four to seven membered rings are applicable in the transformation. A series of ring opening products were prepared with moderate yields. The finding provides valuable clues for the development of new reactions involving carbene migratory insertion and the cleavage of unstrained C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds.