Synthesis of Imides by Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of Aldehydes with Secondary Amides

An efficient palladium-catalyzed C?H functionalization of aldehydes with various N-substituted N-heteroarene-2-carboxamides has been developed for the synthesis of secondary imides. The reaction tolerates various functionalities, such as methoxy, fluoro, chloro, and bromo groups. A tentative radical mechanism for a PdII/PdIV catalytic cycle is proposed.