Arginine‐Catalyzed Henry Reaction of α‐Keto Amides with Nitromethane on Water

Arginine‐catalyzed Henry reaction of α‐keto amides with nitromethane on water has been described, which provided nitroaldol adducts with excellent yields (up to 98 %). Importantly, a broad substrate scope (28 examples) was achieved under green and mild conditions. An eco‐friendly and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of alpha‐hydroxyl‐amide. It serves as a conducible system for the room‐temperature production of Henry adducts from α‐keto amide using water in the presence of Arginine with excellent yields (up to 98 %). The method has a good level of generality and is applicable for various substituted keto amides (28 examples).