Copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling of carboxylic acids with formamides for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated amides

A novel and efficient protocol for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated amides has been developed using catalytic amount of Cu(OAc)2 and TBHP as an available oxidant. Oxidative coupling of various unsaturated carboxylic acids with N,N-disubstituted formamides was examined to furnish the desired products in good yields.