Cerium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN)-Promoted C(sp2)–N Coupling of Secondary Amides with Aryl Boronic Acids: Entries to Tertiary Aryl Amides

A cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN)-promoted C(sp2)-N coupling reaction of secondary amides with aryl boronic acids has been realized, providing a new entry for the construction of structurally diverse tertiary aryl amides, which are widely found in various biologically active molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that a radical pathway may be involved in the C(sp2)-N coupling process. Compared with other metal-catalyzed methods, which in some cases require well-designed catalysts, preassembled directing groups, and/or complicated operations, this methodology features a ligand- and directing group-free process, as well as ease of handling.