Aldol condensation of amides using phosphazene-based catalysis

We have developed a new method for the direct aldol condensation of unactivated amides using 1,3,5-triazo-2,4,6-triphosphorine-2,2,4,4,6,6-hexachloride (TAPC)-based phosphorous/SO42− catalysis. The SO42− species in a reaction mixture enhances the reaction rate of the catalysis. In principle, no metal sources are required for the generation of the catalyst, and there is no requirement for the use of stoichiometric quantities of an acid or base. This catalyst system is operative under relatively acidic conditions. One major advantage of carrying out the reaction under acidic conditions is that both aldehydes and acetals are capable of undergoing carbon–carbon bond formation at the α-carbon of amide carbonyl groups through dehydration.