Mild and efficient one-pot synthesis of chiral β-chalcogen amides via 2-oxazoline ring-opening reaction mediated by indium metal

A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of β-seleno and β-thio amides via the ring-opening reaction of chiral 2-oxazolines in the presence of indium metal has been developed. Features of this method include the following: (i) easily and accessible starting materials; (ii) indium metal is more stable and less expensive then its respective salts; (iii) useful to excellent yields of β-chalcogen amides derivatives.