Zhenbo YUAN

A general, efficient method for CN cross-coupling has been developed using N,N-dimethyloctanamide as a catalytic cosolvent for biphasic continuous-flow applications. The described method was used to generate a variety of biarylamines and was integrated into a two-step sequence which converted phenols into biarylamines via either triflates or tosylates. Additionally, the method was applied to a three-step synthesis of imatinib, the API of Gleevec, in good yield without the need of solvent switches.

Going with the flow: A general flow method developed for CN cross-coupling using N,N-dimethyloctanamide as a catalytic cosolvent was integrated into a two-step sequence which converted phenols into biarylamines via either triflates or tosylates. It was applied to a three-step synthesis of imatinib, the API of Gleevec, in good yield without the need of solvent switches.