Preparation of Benzolactams by Pd(OAc)2-Catalyzed Direct Aromatic Carbonylation.

Abstract

We developed a new method for Pd(II)-catalyzed direct aromatic carbonylation in a phosphine-free catalytic system using Pd(OAc)<sub>2</sub> and Cu(OAc)<sub>2</sub> in an atmosphere of CO gas containing air. The carbonylation proceeded with <i>ortho</i>-palladation, inducing a remarkable site selectivity to afford a variety of five- or six-membered benzolactams from secondary ω-arylalkylamines, such as <i>N</i>-alkylbenzylamines or <i>N</i>-alkylphenethylamines.