I2-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of methyl ketones and benzamidines hydrochloride: a facile access to α-ketoimides.

An iodine-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of C-H/N-H has been demonstrated. This simple and efficient approach constructed α-ketoimides in good to excellent yields from methyl ketones and benzamidines hydrochloride under metal-free and peroxide-free conditions. This synthetic strategy was achieved via an in situ iodination-based oxidative coupling pathway.