Direct N‐Methylation Reaction Using DMSO as One‐Carbon Bridge: Convenient Access to Heterocycle‐Containing β‐Amino Ketones

A novel oxidative C-S bond cleavage reaction of DMSO for dual C-C and C-N bond formation is described. A series of acetyl heteroarenes could be selectively converted into the corresponding β-amino ketones, which are frequently found in biologically active compounds and pharmaceuticals. DMSO acted in this reaction not only as the solvent but also as a one-carbon bridge.