Iodine-Mediated Domino Protocol for the Synthesis of Benz­amides from Ethylarenes via sp3 C–H Functionalization

An efficient, metal-free domino protocol for the synthesis of benzamides has been developed from ethylarenes using aqueous ammonia. The reaction proceeds through the formation of triiodomethyl ketone intermediate in the presence of iodine as the promoter and TBHP as an oxidant followed by nucleophilic substitution with aqueous ammonia, forming an amide. This operationally simple, functional-group-tolerant tandem approach provides an easy access to the broad range of biologically important benzamides.