Tandem Synthesis of Aromatic Amides from Styrenes in Water

Abstract An expedient one-pot synthesis of aromatic amides has been reported from styrenes in the presence of N -bromosuccinimide and iodine by using aqueous ammonia in water. The reaction proceeds through the formation of α-bromoketone as an intermediate in the presence of NBS and water. α-Bromoketone on reaction with iodine forms bromodiiodoketone which on nucleophilic substitution with aqueous ammonia gives aromatic amide. Substituted aromatic amides were obtained in good yields with wide functional group compatibility.