Decomposition of acylarylnitrosamines in benzene produces not only free radicals as is well recognized, but also intermediate ion pairs. The generality of this dual mechanism is experimentally demonstrated by use of nucleophilically activated fluorine as a ‘label’. The appearance of acylfluoride in the reaction products from fluorine substituted acylarylnitrosamines is interpreted.
The first a-alkylation of unactivated amides with primary alcohols is described. An effective and robust iridium pincer complex has been developed for selective alpha-alkylation of tertiary and secondary acetamides involving a "borrowing hydrogen" methodology. The method is compatible with alcohols bearing various functional groups. This presents a convenient and environmentally benign protocol for alpha-alkylation of amides.