Ligand-enabled ortho-C–H olefination of phenylacetic amides with unactivated alkenes

Although chelation-assisted C–H olefination has been intensely investigated, Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–H olefination reactions are largely restricted to acrylates and styrenes. Here we report a quinoline-derived ligand that enables the Pd(ii)-catalyzed olefination of the C(sp(2))–H bond with simple aliphatic alkenes using a weakly coordinating monodentate amide auxiliary. Oxygen is used as the terminal oxidant with catalytic copper as the co-oxidant. A variety of functional groups in the aliphatic alkenes are tolerated. Upon hydrogenation, the ortho-alkylated product can be accessed. The utility of this reaction is also demonstrated by the late-stage diversification of drug molecules.