An efficient and divergent one-pot synthesis of α,α-dihaloamides from readily available β-oxoamides based on the selection of reaction conditions is reported. α,α-Dihalo-β-oxo amides were produced by treating β-oxoamides with N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) or N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in water at room temperature, whereas α,α-dihaloacetamides were synthesized by subjecting β-oxoamides to NCS or NBS in
alpha,alpha-Dihalo-N-arylacetamides are commonly used as intermediates in various organic reactions. In the study described here, a catalytic synthesis of alpha,alpha-dihalo-N-arylacetamides from beta-oxo amides was developed using zwitterionic catalysts and N-halosuccinimides as the halogen sources. The corresponding alpha,alpha-dihalo-N-arylacetamides were obtained in good to excellent yields, and no aromatic halogenated side products were detected. The reaction conditions were mild, and no strong base or acid was required.