Synthesis of 2-Pyridones and Iminoesters via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling between Acrylamides and Alkynes

Catalytic oxidative coupling between acrylamides and alkynes was achieved using 0.5 mol % loading of [RhCp*Cl(2)](2) with Cu(OAc)(2) as an oxidant. 2-Pyridones, iminoesters, and substituted indoles could be obtained as a result of the electronic and steric effects of the substituents in the acrylamides.