Reaction of Donor–Acceptor α-Diazo Esters and N,N-Dimethylformamide/γ-Lactams To Generate α-Amino-α-aroylethanoates

Herein, we present a metal-free, concise, and efficient protocol for the intermolecular reaction of amides (lactams) with donor-acceptor α-diazo esters to afford the functionalized α-amino-α-aroylethanoates. N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) are employed as both reagents and solvents, allowing for the incorporation of all units into the products. The reaction is processed by the ester group migration and compatible with a broad range of substrates up to 50 examples.