Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Addition of 2-Aminobenzonitriles to Sodium Arylsulfinates: Synthesis of o-Aminobenzophenones

The first example of the palladium-catalyzed synthesis of o-aminobenzophenones in moderate to excellent yields via a direct addition of sodium arylsulfinates to unprotected 2-aminobenzonitriles was reported. A plausible mechanism for the formation of o-aminobenzophenones involving desulfination and addition reactions was proposed. The utility of this transformation was demonstrated by its compatibility with a wide range of functional groups. Thus, the method represents a convenient and practical strategy for synthesis of o-aminobenzophenones.