Remote meta-CH Olefination of Phenylacetic Acids Directed by a Versatile U-Shaped Template

meta-CH olefination of phenylacetic acid derivatives has been achieved using a commercially available nitrile-containing template. The identification of N-formyl-protected glycine as the ligand (Formyl-Gly-OH) was crucial for the development of this reaction. Versatility of the template approach in accommodating macrocyclopalladation processes with different ring sizes is demonstrated.