Nitrosocarbonyl-Henry and Denitration Cascade: Synthesis of α-Ketoamides and α-Keto Oximes.

An unprecedented Henry reaction of in situ generated nitrosocarbonyl intermediates and concomitant denitration cascade has been developed. The reaction is catalyzed by organic base at room temperature offering α-ketoamides, a demanding scaffold for drug discovery, in high yields. An alteration of substitution pattern also produced α-keto oximes, a high-value synthon. The protocol features operational simplicity and broad substrate scope.