Mo(CO)₆-Mediated Carbamoylation of Aryl Halides

A simple method for the synthesis of amides has been developed by molybdenum-mediated carbamoylation of aryl halides. Whereas the conventional palladium-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction requires a large excess of gaseous carbon monoxide, the incorporation of carbon monoxide in this Mo-mediated carbamoylation reaction is so efficient that it requires only a slight excess amount of carbon monoxide in the form of its molybdenum complex, Mo(CO)₆. The reaction is applicable for the synthesis of a wide variety of not only secondary and tertiary amides but also primary amides by using aqueous ammonia.