Ir(III)-Catalyzed C(sp2)–H Amidation of 2‑Aroylimidazoles with 2,2,2-Trichloroethoxycarbonyl Azide (TrocN3)

The Ir­(III)-catalyzed ortho-C–H amidation of 2-aroylimidazole derivatives with 2,2,2-trichloroethyl azide (TrocN3) as an amidating reagent is reported. The reaction proceeds smoothly, even at room temperature, and various important functional groups are tolerated. The results of deuterium-labeling experiments indicate that C–H bond cleavage is irreversible and does not appear to be the rate-determining step. The presence of an electron-donating group on the phenyl ring in the 2-aroylimidazole results in a dramatic acceleration in the reaction.