Copper-catalyzed coupling of anthranils and α-keto acids: direct synthesis of α-ketoamides.

Copper-catalyzed coupling of α-keto acids with anthranils is reported for the synthesis of α-ketoamides. This process involves N-O/C-O bond cleavages and C-N bond formation. Furthermore, the decarboxylation of α-keto acids can be successfully suppressed under redox-neutral conditions.