Imidates are important organic intermediates used in several synthetic transformations towards N-heterocycles, natural products and metal complexes with a potential catalytic effect. Herein, the recent synthetic approaches and diverse applications of imidates were categorized and summarized. A wide range of organic compounds, mainly nitriles, isocyanides, amides, imines, and alkynes are used as starting materials. This review also summarizes the latest synthetic approaches to imidates that have been developed the recent years and some of their significant applications in the field of organic synthesis.

Abstract

Recent synthetic approaches and diverse applications of imidates are presented in this review. These motifs are successfully used as intermediates in organic transformations, such as the synthesis of N-heterocycles, natural products and metal complexes with a potential catalytic effect. Consequently, many attempts have been made for the development of efficient and facile synthetic methods of imidates in the past few years, as a continuum of previous paths. A wide range of organic compounds can be used as starting materials for these syntheses, including nitriles, isocyanides, amides etc. which through simple and flexible processes are converted to the desired imidates. Herein, an exploration of the recent synthetic routes of imidates and their diverse applications in organic transformations has been categorized and summarized.