Acenaphthoimidazolylidene‐ligated chiral oxazoline palladacycles: synthesis, structure, and application in intramolecular α‐arylation of amides towards 3,3′‐disubstituted oxindoles

Abstract A general catalytic protocol for the Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular arylations of N ‐(2‐halogenoaryl) amides in eco‐friendly medium was successfully developed by using rationally designed acenaphthoimidazolylidene‐ligated chiral oxazoline palladacycles. Under the optimal reaction condition, a broad scope of substrates with various functional groups were well tolerated, leading to desired 3,3′‐disubstituted oxindoles in excellent yields (up to 98% yield).