Take the direct path: Sequential nucleophilic addition of N‐methoxyamides using DIBAL and organometallic reagents provided substituted N‐methoxyamines in one pot via five‐membered chelated intermediates (see scheme, DIBAL=diisobutylaluminum hydride). The reaction allows functionalization of acyclic amides and macrolactams without a preactivation step, which is generally required for inert amide carbonyl
N‐alkoxy group played important roles in this reaction. First, it removed the requirement for an extra preactivation step prior to nucleophilic addition to activate inert amide carbonyl groups. Second, the N‐alkoxy group formed a five‐membered chelated complex after the firstnucleophilic addition, resulting in suppression of an extra addition of the firstnucleophile. While diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL‐H)