Site-Selective Linear Alkylation of Anilides by Cooperative Nickel/Aluminum Catalysis.

We report meta- and para-selective linear alkylation reactions of anilides with alkenes by nickel/N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and aluminum catalysis. With a less bulky NHC, the alkylation reaction of N-methyl-N-phenylcyclohexanecarboxamides proceeded mainly at the meta position. In contrast, a bulky NHC ligand led to the para-selective alkylation of N-sec-alkyl anilides.