Ugi four-component reaction of alcohols: stoichiometric and catalytic oxidation/MCR sequences.

A new, simple, and efficient procedure for the one-pot Ugi four-component reaction of alcohols instead of aldehydes is described. Using a stoichiometric amount of IBX or only 1-2% of sodium 2-iodobenzenesulfonate in the presence of Oxone, a wide range of primary alcohols were oxidized to the aldehyde that were directly engaged in the Ugi four-component reaction to afford α-acetamidoamides in good to excellent yields.