Unveiling the catalytic synthesis of macrolactams from nitro-alcohols: a single-catalyst two-step strategy integrating hydrogen auto-transfer and acceptorless dehydrogenation.

Macrolactams are remarkable molecules whose synthesis is considered difficult due to the greater likelihood of entropy-driven side reactions and strain. Herein, we report a Ru-MACHO-catalyzed two-step synthesis of oxa-aza macrolactams from nitro-alcohols combining borrowing hydrogenation and acceptorless dehydrogenation concepts. This protocol is sustainable, step-economic and exhibits broad substrate scope.