Direct C-H/C-H cross-coupling of benzimidates with heteroarenes to access biheteroaryl-2-carbonitriles

A Rh-catalyzed C-H/C-H oxidative cross-coupling reaction of benzimidates with heteroarenes is developed, yielding biheteroaryl-2-carbonitriles directly after in situ dealcoholization. This protocol features high atom- and step-economy, and a broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance.