Dicumyl Peroxide as a Methylating Reagent in the Ni-Catalyzed Methylation of Ortho C-H Bonds in Aromatic Amides

The direct methylation of ortho C-H bonds in aromatic amides with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) using a nickel complex as the catalyst is reported. The reaction shows a high functional group tolerance and is inhibited by radical scavengers. In reactions of meta-substituted aromatic amides, the reaction proceeds in a highly selective manner at the less hindered C-H bonds.