Expedient Drug Synthesis and Diversification via ortho-C−H Iodination using Recyclable PdI2 as the Precatalyst

Pd(II)-catalyzed ortho-C-H iodination reactions of phenylacetic acid substrates have been achieved using recyclable PdI(2) as the precatalyst. This class of substrates is incompatible with the classic amide formation/ortho-lithiation/iodination sequence. The power of this new technology is demonstrated by facile drug functionalization and drastically shortened syntheses of the drugs diclofenac and lumiracoxib.