Palladium-catalyzed denitrative C–N coupling of amides with nitroarenes enabled by Al(OTf)3

Abstract

We report a Pd-catalyzed denitrative C–N coupling of amide nucleophiles with nitroarenes, providing direct and atom-economical access to N-aryl amides from readily available nitroarene feedstocks. Al(OTf)₃ is essential, both promoting the reaction and suppressing BrettPhos oxidation to maintain the active Pd–phosphine species. The method shows broad amide scope and delivers products in up to 95% yield.