Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling of N-Acylpyrroles and Pyrazoles: Planar, Electronically Activated Amides in Catalytic N–C Cleavage

The formation of C-C bonds from amides by catalytic activation of the amide bond has been thus far possible by steric distortion. Herein, we report the first example of a general Pd-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of planar amides enabled by the combination of (i) electronic-activation of the amide nitrogen in N-acylpyrroles and pyrazoles and (ii) the use of a versatile Pd-NHC catalysis platform. The origin and selectivity of forming acylmetals, including the role of twist, are discussed.