Succinimide derivatives are valuable compounds in synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals. A catalytic hydroaminocarbonylation reaction was developed for the synthesis of succinimides from alkynes, CO and NH4HCO3. The novel transformation proceeds in the presence of Fe3(CO)12 without the need for expensive ligands or additives. Various substituted alkynes are selectively transformed into corresponding succinimides in good yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that NH4HCO3 plays an important role in the formation and stabilization of iron catalyst.
