Direct amide synthesis via Ni-mediated aminocarbonylation of arylboronic acids with CO and nitroarenes

Herein we describe an alternative and unconventional approach of an aminocarbonylation reaction to access aryl amides from readily available and low-cost arylboronic acids and nitroarenes. Nickel metal can serve as both reductant and catalyst in this direct aminocarbonylation. This protocol exhibits a good functional group compatibility and allows a variety of aryl amides to be synthesized, including several drug-like molecules.