KI-catalyzed imidation of sp3 C-H bond adjacent to amide nitrogen atom.

We have developed a new KI-catalyzed method for the imidation of an sp(3) C-H bond adjacent to an amide nitrogen atom by using TBHP (tert-butyl hydroperoxide, 70% aqueous solution) as the oxidant. This novel procedure tolerated air and moisture and provided a series of novel products in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions.