A novel C-H insertion via deoxygenation of amides by a Sm/SmI2 mixed system

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(97)00805-3

A samarium/samarium diiodide mixed system successfully effects novel aminocyclopropanation and C-H insertion via the deoxygenation of amides. Styrenes undergo aminocyclopropanation by the reaction with aromatic amides, samarium metal, and samarium diiodide. Furthermore, the reaction of aliphatic amides with Sm/SmI₂ in the presence of alkylbenzenes like toluene causes benzylic C-H insertion giving the corresponding phenylethylamine derivatives in good yields.