A Convenient Synthesis of N-Aryl Benzamides by Rhodium-Catalyzed ortho-Amidation and Decarboxylation of Benzoic Acids

The rhodium‐catalyzed amidation of substituted benzoic acids with isocyanates by directed CH functionalization followed by decarboxylation to afford the corresponding N‐aryl benzamides is demonstrated, in which the carboxylate serves as a unique, removable directing group. Notably, less common meta‐substituted N‐aryl benzamides are generated readily from more accessible para‐ or ortho‐substituted groups by employing this strategy. Kill the director: The rhodium‐catalyzed amidation of substituted benzoic acids with isocyanates via directed CH functionalization followed by decarboxylation to afford the corresponding N‐aryl benzamides is demonstrated. The carboxylate serves as a unique, removable directing group. Notably, less common meta‐substituted N‐aryl benzamides are formed readily from more accessible para‐ or ortho‐substituted groups by employing this strategy.