Ring-Opening Olefin Metathesis of Twisted Amides: Activation of Amide Bonds by C=C Cleavage

Selective C=C bond cleavage in twisted amides by ring-opening olefin metathesis (ROM) was accomplished. The reaction represents the third mechanism for ring opening of nonplanar amide bonds discovered. Adding to the facile hydrolytic cleavage of nonplanar N-C(O) amide bonds and sigma N-C bond scission reactions, this reaction manifold engages a peripheral reactivity principle that hinges upon ring strain energy enforced by the twisted amide bond. Considering the wide utility of ring-opening olefin metathesis reactions in various aspects of chemistry, we anticipate that this ring-opening methodology will be of broad interest and could lead to the development of ROM reactions of twisted amides as a powerful synthetic tool.