Palladium-catalyzed ortho-C(sp2) H bromination of benzaldehydes via a monodentate transient directing group strategy

A facile and efficient monodentate transient directing group strategy was developed to enable the palladium-catalyzed ortho-C(sp2)H bromination of benzaldehydes. A broad scope of benzaldehydes were transformed into the desired products by employing 2-amino-5-chlorobenzotrifluoride as a monodentate transient directing group, demonstrating good functional group tolerance. Mild reaction conditions and no requirement for a silver salt are also features of this strategy.