Ag-Catalyzed Practical Synthesis of N-Acyl Anthranilic Acids from Anthranils and Carboxylic Acids

A practical synthesis of valuable N-acyl anthranilic acids has been achieved via a silver-catalyzed imino-ketene generation from readily available anthranils and carboxylic acids. A wide range of carboxylic acids including sterically demanding aliphatic carboxylic acids, aromatic carboxylic acids, acrylic acids, and amino acids are compatible in this reaction. Moreover, this method can be used to modify drug molecules and natural products, such as ibuprofen, probenecid, and acetylglycine.