Nickel-catalyzed direct alkynylation of C(sp 2 )–H bonds of amides: an “inverse Sonogashira strategy” to ortho-alkynylbenzoic acids

Nickel-catalyzed direct alkynylation of C(sp 2 )–H bonds of amides using commercially available, inexpensive 8-aminoquinoline as a removable bidentate directing group is described. The present ortho -alkynylation has a broad substrate scope, functional group tolerance and high regiocontrol, and can be scaled up. The efficiency and selectivity of this strategy provide sustainable routes to a diverse array of ortho -alkynylbenzoic acids under Ni( ii )-catalyzed conditions.