Rh(I)-Catalyzed Alkylation of ortho-C-H Bonds in Aromatic Amides with Maleimides

An alkylation of C-H bonds with maleimides by a rhodium-catalyzed reaction of aromatic amides containing an 8-aminoquinoline moiety as the directing group is reported. Various N-substituents in the maleimide, including methyl, ethyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, and phenyl groups and even H, are applicable to the reaction. The reaction is highly regioselective at the less hindered ortho-C-H bond when meta-substituted aromatic amides are used as substrates.