Cobalt catalyzed regioselective C–H methylation/acetoxylation of anilides: new routes for C–C and C–O bond formation

Abstract

The first cobalt-catalyzed regioselective C–H methylation/acetoxylation reactions of anilides using peroxides and acetic acid respectively as attacking reagents have been developed herein. This new strategy features low cost, high selectivity, a broad range of functional groups, use of green and low toxic DTBP and HOAc, and avoidance of extraneous directing groups, thus offering a good complement to previous C–H methylation/acetoxylation reactions and expanding the application of cobalt-catalyzed C–H activations. Mechanistic explorations into the reaction process are also described in detail.