Chemoselective Reactions of Tellurium Tetraethoxide towards Thioamides and Amides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.67.1759

Tellurium tetraethoxide reacts with primary thioamides at room temperature, forming nitriles in high yields. On the other hand, the reactions with amides are largely temperature-dependent, giving predominantly esters at 80 deg C and nitriles at a higher temperature. Similarly, tellurium tetraethoxide readily induces the C-N bond cleavage of ureas to give carbamates and amines.