The Nef Reaction of Isocyanides

Abstract

The interaction of isocyanides with acyl chlorides was first reported by Nef in 1892. The resulting α-keto imidoyl chlorides may be hydrolyzed to form α-keto amides. Relatively few data are available on this reaction and the chemistry of α-keto imidoyl chlorides has been largely underestimated until some recent uses in intra­- and intermolecular couplings with a variety of nucleophiles. The present review brings a comprehensive presentation of the Nef reaction of isocyanides focusing on mechanism and regioselectivity issues.

1 Isocyanide Chemistry

2 Isocyanide Interaction with Acyl Chlorides and Analogues

2.1 General Considerations

2.2 Methods of Preparation of α-Keto Imidoyl Chlorides

2.3 Nef Reaction Mechanism

3 Reactivity of α-Keto Imidoyl Chlorides

3.1 General Behavior of α-Keto Imidoyl Chlorides

3.2 Intramolecular Trappings

3.3 Intermolecular Trappings and Three-Component Reactions

4 Extensions of the Nef Reaction

5 Conclusion

Key words

isocyanides - Nef reaction - acyl chlorides - imidoyl chlorides - ketenes

• References


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