The Direct Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Amidation of Aniline Derivatives Using a Pyrimidine Directing Group: The Selective Solvent Controlled Synthesis of 1,2-Diaminobenzenes and Benzimidazoles.

The regioselective Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H amidation of aniline derivatives with dioxazolones as an amidating reagent with a pyrimidine as a directing group leading to the production of 1,2-diaminobenzene derivatives or benzimidazole derivatives is described. The product distribution is controlled by the nature of solvent used. The reaction provides a broad substrate scope for aniline derivatives with various important functional groups including dioxazolones.