Stereoselective alkoxycarbonylation of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds with alkyl chloroformates via Pd(II)/Pd(IV) catalysis

Abstract

Several examples on Pd-catalysed carbonylation of methyl C(sp3)-H bonds with gaseous CO via Pd(II)/Pd(0) catalysis have been reported. However, methylene C(sp3)-H carbonylation remains a great challenge, largely due to the lack of reactivity of C-H bonds and the difficulty in CO migratory insertion. Herein, we report the stereoselective alkoxycarbonylation of both methyl and methylene C(sp3)-H bonds with alkyl chloroformates through a Pd(II)/Pd(IV) catalytic cycle. A broad range of aliphatic carboxamides and alkyl chloroformates are compatible with this protocol. In addition, this process is scalable and the directing group could be easily removed under mild conditions with complete retention of configuration.