Organocatalytic Hat Trick: 1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Cyclic Imides via an Amidation–Cyclization–Elimination Cascade

1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) was used for the synthesis of cyclic imides via an amidation-cyclization-elimination cascade. This organocatalytic transformation features both the traditional reactivity of TBD and its unprecedented C-C bond cleavage capability, allowing rapid and efficient access to cyclic imides. This method is compatible with the late-stage functionalization of complex molecules and the synthesis of bioactive molecules. Both experimental and computational approaches were employed to gain a better understanding of the reaction mechanism.