N -Pyridylimidates as Traceless Acyl Equivalents for Directed C-O Bond Functionalization.

Directing groups are a common strategy to target traditionally inert bonds, with an easily removable directing group being ideal. Herein we disclose our method for rhodium-catalyzed C-O bond functionalization of N -pyridylimidates using a recyclable and traceless amine directing group. In addition to the substrate scope, we discuss the behavior of this class of compounds and how that behavior affects their reactivity.