Rhodium-catalyzed alkylation of C-H bonds in aromatic amides with α,β-unsaturated esters.

The alkylation of C-H bonds with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by a rhodium-catalyzed reaction of aromatic amides containing an 8-aminoquinoline moiety is reported. The reaction is highly regioselective. The formation of C-C bonds occurs between the ortho C-H bonds in aromatic amides and the β-position of the acyclic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The reaction is applicable to various acyclic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, such as acrylic esters, acrylamide, fumarate, maleate, and phenyl vinyl sulfone.