Cyclic imides were synthesized from simple diols with primary
amines in a single step using an in situ generated ruthenium catalytic
system. The developed methodology is atom economical and operatively
simple for the syntheses of succinimides, phthalimides, and glutarimides,
which are important building blocks in natural products and drugs.
Other recent approaches for the cyclic imide synthesis were also
reviewed.
cyclic imide - diol - atom economy - ruthenium - N-heterocyclic carbene