Acylative Suzuki coupling of amides: acyl-nitrogen activation via synergy of independently modifiable activating groups.

A highly efficient palladium-catalyzed acylative cross-coupling of carboxylic amides with arylboronic acids has been achieved via synergistic activation of the C(acyl)-N bond by independently modifiable activating groups. Coupling of amides features not only good functional group tolerance but also modifiable reactivities to overcome steric hindrance.