Tantalum-Promoted Synthesis of α-Amino Amides from Imines and Isocyanates

Significance

Amino acid derivatives are one of the most important classes of naturally occurring biologically active products. This is a new, original preparation of α-amino acid amides from imines and isocyanates, based on unusual organotantalum chemistry. The products are ‘drug-like’ molecules, which might be interesting for pharmaceutical research.