KOtBu-mediated annulation of acetonitrile with aldehyde: synthesis of substituted dihydropyridin-2(1H)-ones, pyridin-2(1H)-ones, and thiopyridin-2(1H)-ones

KO^tBu-mediated annulation of acetonitrile with aldehyde was observed in which cleavage of four C(sp³)–H bonds occurred, and total eight new bonds formed.

Iodine-catalyzed ammoxidation of methyl arenes

A metal-free direct ammoxidation of readily available methyl arenes leading to nitriles was established under mild conditions.

Peroxide promoted tunable decarboxylative alkylation of cinnamic acids to form alkenes or ketones under metal-free conditions

In the presence of DTBP or DTBP/TBHP, the decarboxylative alkylation of cinnamic acids with alkanes gave alkenes and ketones respectively via a radical mechanism in moderate to good yields.

Copper-catalyzed oxidative C(sp3)–H/N–H coupling of sulfoximines and amides with simple alkanes via a radical process

A copper-catalyzed oxidative C(sp³)–H/N–H coupling of sulfoximines and amides with simple alkanes via a radical pathway was developed.