Ni-Catalyzed Intermolecular C(sp3)-H Amidation Tuned by Bidentate Directing Groups

Abstract

We disclose herein a directing group-assisted nickel-catalyzed intermolecular C(sp3)-H amidation using organic azides as nitrene precursors. With the installation of an electronically tailored directing group, enhanced amidation efficiency was achieved. A series of experimental and computational studies suggested that a putative nickel(III)-nitrenoid species is a key intermediate in the C-N bond-forming process.