1–2 equivalents of water can be performed efficiently by using RuH2(PPh3)4 catalyst to give the corresponding amides. Under the similar reaction conditions, δ-ketonitriles can be converted into the corresponding ene-lactams, which are versatile synthetic intermediates. The efficiency of the reaction is demonstrated by the short-step synthesis of (−)-pumiliotoxin C.
Hydration of nitriles and transformation of delta-keto nitriles to ene-lactams can be performed efficiently by using RuH2(PPh3)4 catalyst under mild conditions. The effectiveness of the reaction is illustrated by the short-step synthesis of (-)-pumiliotoxin C.