PdII‐Catalyzed γ‐C(sp3)–H (Hetero)arylation of Ketones Using Acetohydrazide as the Transient Directing Group

Pd(II)‐catalyzed γ‐C(sp3)–H (hetero)arylation of aliphatic ketones is developed using acetohydrazide as the transient directing group (TDG). The reaction is facilitated by a crucial 2‐pyridone ligand via the 5,6‐membered fused palladacycle intermediate, enabling the smooth γ‐C(sp3)–H (hetero)arylation of various aliphatic ketones. The reaction demonstrated tolerance to different functional groups of aryl iodides, and compatibility with various pyridinyl or quinolinyl iodides. Furthermore, regioselectivity of γ‐C(sp3)–H arylation with current reaction conditions was compared with previous studies for the challenging substrate pentan‐2‐one.