I₂‑Catalyzed Oxidative Cross-Coupling of Methyl Ketones and Benzamidines Hydrochloride: A Facile Access to α‑Ketoimides

An iodine-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of C–H/N–H has been demonstrated. This simple and efficient approach constructed α-ketoimides in good to excellent yields from methyl ketones and benzamidines hydrochloride under metal-free and peroxide-free conditions. This synthetic strategy was achieved via an in situ iodination-based oxidative coupling pathway.