Unexpected C-C bond cleavage of α-nitroketone in the presence of TsNBr₂: A new pathway for C-N bond formation

A new catalyst-free protocol for C-N bond formation via the cleavage of α-nitroketone has been developed. When α -nitroketones are treated with TsNBr₂ in the presence of potassium carbonate, unexpected cleavage of C(O)-CHNO₂ bond of α -nitroketone was observed followed by the formation of corresponding amide. Various nitroketones could be converted to corresponding amide using this procedure.