Free-radical version of the strecker synthesis of alpha-aminoamides promoted by aqueous H2O2/TiCl3/HCONH2 system

A new reaction of general synthetic interest representing the free-radical version of the Strecker synthesis to alpha-aminoamides is reported. A hydroxy radical, generated by Ti(III) one-electron reduction of H2O2, abstracts a H atom from the C-H bond of formamide, and the resulting carbamoyl radical adds to the C atom of aldimines formed in situ, leading to a one-pot synthesis of alpha-aminoamides. Several types of aldehydes can participate in this process.