Water mediated Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H amidation of weakly coordinating aryl ketones and chromanones under mild conditions

Abstract

Regio-selective ortho-amidation of aryl ketones with sulfonyl azides through Ir(III) catalysis in water is described. The reaction was completed within a few hours under ambient conditions. The developed reaction protocol was successfully applied for the regioselective C5-amidation of chromanones and flavanones. Control experiments suggest the formation of active catalytic species involved in the reaction mechanism.