A novel synthesis of oxazolidin-2-ones by carbamic acid formation and a subsequent copper-catalyzed intramolecular vinylation from N-(2-bromoallyl)amines and KHCO3 was developed. KHCO3 was used as a C1 source and base in this efficient and convenient cascade process.

Direct oxidative ortho-acylation reaction of anilides with toluene derivatives in the presence of palladium acetate using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant was developed. A broad range of diaryl ketones was obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 95%). The plausible mechanism was also proposed.