Zinc Acetate as a Catalyst for the Hydroacylation Reaction of Azodicarboxylates with Aldehydes

Zn(OAc)2·2H2O is found to be an effective catalyst for the hydroacylation reaction of azodicarboxylates with aldehydes. A wide range of aldehydes, including aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, was considered. Most of the hydroacylation reactions afforded the hydroacylation products in good to excellent yields. The overall system is simple, economical and has practical advantages for construction of carbon-nitrogen bonds.