Selective O-Cyclization of N-Methoxy Aryl Amides with CH2Br2 or 1,2-DCE via Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Activation.

A selective O-cyclization of N-methoxy aryl amides with CH2Br2 or 1,2-DCE (1,2-dichloroethane) via palladium-catalyzed C-H activation has been described. New C(sp3)-O and C(sp2)-C(sp3) bonds are forged simultaneously with the assistance of an N-methoxy amide group, and good functional group tolerance in substrates is observed. Preliminary mechanistic investigations show that the process may involve a five-membered palladacycle intermediate.