Oxidation of α-amidoaryl sulfones with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid under mild conditions readily provides the corresponding imides in satisfactory yields. The overall process probably involves formation of an N-acyliminium ion intermediate, which by attack of the peroxyacid anion generates the final imidoderivatives.
The first approach to α-fluorination of aroylacyl imides without a catalyst was accomplished, relying on electrophilic activation through the reaction between a fluoride salt, dimethylsulfoxide and an imide. The synthesis of α-fluorinated aroylacyl imides in good yields was achieved using inexpensive reagents such as NaF and DMSO.