Ligand-Enabled meta-Selective C–H Arylation of Nosyl-Protected Phenethylamines, Benzylamines, and 2‑Aryl Anilines

A Pd-catalyzed, meta-selective C–H arylation of nosyl-protected phenethylamines and benzylamines is disclosed using a combination of norbornene and pyridine-based ligands. Subjecting nosyl protected 2-aryl anilines to this protocol led to meta-C–H arylation at the remote aryl ring. A diverse range of aryl iodides are tolerated in this reaction, along with select heteroaryl iodides. Select aryl bromides bearing ortho-coordinating groups can also be utilized as effective coupling partners in this reaction. The use of pyridine ligands has allowed the palladium loading to be reduced to 2.5 mol %. Furthermore, a catalytic amount of 2-norbornene (20 mol %) to mediate this meta-C–H activation process is demonstrated for the first time. Utilization of a common protecting group as the directing group for meta-C–H activation of amines is an important feature of this reaction in terms of practical applications.