Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of aryl C–H bonds in benzamides with CO2

Abstract

Herein, we report the first Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of unactivated aryl C–H bonds in benzamides under 1 atm of CO₂ to directly afford important phthalimides. A variety of phthalimides are synthesized in moderate to high yields under redox-neutral conditions. This transformation features high regio- and chemo-selectivity, step-economy, good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope and smooth scalability. Mechanistic studies suggest that the palladacycle is a competent intermediate.