Iron-catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylation of alkynes to produce succinimides with NH4HCO3.

[Display omitted] • The first efficient ligand free iron-catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylation of alkynes to produce succinimides with NH 4 HCO 3 as the ammonia source. • With NH 4 HCO 3 as easy-to-handle ammonia source, a variety of internal and terminal alkynes were well tolerated in this catalytic system. • Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal the activation model involving interactions of NH 4 HCO 3 with both iron catalyst and alkyne substrates. Succinimide derivatives are valuable compounds in synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals. A catalytic hydroaminocarbonylation reaction was developed for the synthesis of succinimides from alkynes, CO and NH 4 HCO 3. The novel transformation proceeds in the presence of Fe 3 (CO) 12 without the need for expensive ligands or additives. Various substituted alkynes are selectively transformed into corresponding succinimides in good yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that NH 4 HCO 3 plays an important role in the formation and stabilization of iron catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]