Palladium-catalyzed carbon-monoxide-free aminocarbonylation of aryl halides using N-substituted formamides as an amide source.

A carbon-monoxide-free aminocarbonylation of various N-substituted formamides with aryl iodides and aryl bromides using palladium acetate and Xantphos is described. The developed methodology is applicable for a wide range of formamides and aryl halides containing different functional groups furnishing good to excellent yield of the corresponding products. N-substituted formamides are used as an amide source wherein a Vilsmeier-type intermediate plays a major role, thus eliminating the need of toxic carbon monoxide gas.