A directing group switch in copper-catalyzed electrophilic C–H amination/migratory annulation cascade: divergent access to benzimidazolone/benzimidazole

A novel directing group switch strategy is explored in a copper-catalyzed divergent synthesis of benzimidazolone via electrophilic C–H amination/cyclization/1,2-C → N directing group migration cascade and benzimidazole through the extrusion of H 2 S.