Abstract (eng)
Addition of the in situ generated Schwartz reagent to widely available isocyanates constitutes a chemoselective, high‐yielding, and versatile approach to the synthesis of variously functionalized formamides. The method, as a three‐component‐type reaction, involves in situ generation of the Schwartz reagent (Cp2Zr(H)Cl) from Cp2ZrCl2 and the reductant, LiAlH(O‐t‐Bu)3, and immediate reaction with a substrate. Substrates include aliphatic and aromatic isocyanates, which are reduced to the corresponding formamides. Steric and electronic factors or the presence of sensitive functionalities (esters, nitro groups, nitriles, alkenes) do not compromise the potential of the method. Full preservation of the stereochemical information contained in the starting materials is observed. Compared to prior methods, this method has advantage in that reagents are inexpensive and stable, reaction times are short, and reaction temperatures are conveniently at room temperature (rt).