Cp*Rh(III)/Bicyclic Olefin Cocatalyzed C-H Bond Amidation by Intramolecular Amide Transfer

A bicyclic olefin was discovered as a cocatalyst in a Cp*Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H bond amidation proceeding by an intramolecular amide transfer in N-phenoxyacetamide derivatives. Combining experimental and theoretical studies, we propose that the olefin promotes a Rh(III) intermediate to undergo oxidative addition into the O-N bond to form a Rh(V) nitrenoid species and subsequently direct the nitrenoid to add to the ortho position. The amide directing group plays a dual role as a cleavable coordinating moiety as well as an essential coupling partner for the C-H amidation. This methodology was successfully applied to the late-stage diversification of natural products and a marketed drug under mild conditions.