A Convenient Synthesis of <i>N</i>‐Aryl Benzamides by Rhodium‐Catalyzed <i>ortho</i>‐Amidation and Decarboxylation of Benzoic Acids

Abstract

The rhodium-catalyzed amidation of substituted benzoic acids with isocyanates by directed CH functionalization followed by decarboxylation to afford the corresponding N-aryl benzamides is demonstrated, in which the carboxylate serves as a unique, removable directing group. Notably, less common meta-substituted N-aryl benzamides are generated readily from more accessible para- or ortho-substituted groups by employing this strategy.