Efficient synthesis of [beta]-acetamido ketones using BF3/Et2O: a fertile approach toward avoiding usage of acetyl chloride

A simple and efficient one pot synthesis of [beta]-acetamido ketones from reaction of aldehydes, enolizable ketones, alkyl/aryl nitriles, and BF3/Et2O catalyst under microwave irradiations is described. This method allows synthesis of [beta]-acetamido ketones without using corrosive and hazardous acetyl chloride. It is applicable for diversified aldehydes and active methylene ketones supported by synthesizing varieties of [beta]-acetamido ketones. As per literature, majority of synthetic methods of [beta]-acetamido ketones are restricted to use of acetonitrile lonely, as a nitrile component. This method is found to be equally effective for range of nitriles, also. Key features of reported method are simple reaction protocol, better yields, shorter reaction time, and nonhazardous reaction conditions which support the "Green Chemistry approach." [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]