Selective Pd-catalyzed oxidative coupling of anilides with olefins through C-H bond activation at room temperature.

Using a high-throughput experimentation approach we found a selective and mild Pd-catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction between anilide derivatives and acrylates that occurs through ortho C-H bond activation. The reaction is carried out in an acidic environment and occurs even at room temperature with use of a cheap oxidant (benzoquinone) in yields up to 91%. The benzoquinone possibly also functions as a ligand, stabilizing the catalyst. From the electronic dependence of the reaction and the observed kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD = 3) the key step of the catalytic cycle is believed to be electrophilic attack by a [PdOAc]+ complex on the pi-system of the arene.