Regioselective synthesis of anilines and β-dibrominated acetamides from N-aryl acetoacetamides mediated by Cu(I) salts

A highly regioselective synthetic strategy mediated by Cu(I) salts is presented for the synthesis of anilines and β-dibrominated acetamides from N-aryl acetoacetamides. A variety of N-aryl acetoacetamides were used in this protocol, and a wide range of polysubstituted anilines and β-dibrominated acetamides were obtained in moderate to good yields. When employing CuI as the additive in this strategy, anilines are obtained, however, when using CuBr as the partner of CuI under a mild condition, β-dibrominated acetamides are afforded.