Rh[III]-catalyzed C-H amidation using aroyloxycarbamates to give N-Boc protected arylamines.

The Rh(III)-catalyzed amidation of C(sp(2))-H bonds by the use of electron-deficient aroyloxycarbamates as efficient electrophilic amidation partners is reported. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions with broad functional group tolerance, and pyridine and O-methyl hydroxamic acids serve as efficient directing groups, giving access to valuable N-Boc protected arylamines (also Fmoc and Cbz). Preliminary mechanistic experiments are discussed.