Aromatic borylation/amidation/oxidation: a rapid route to 5-substituted 3-amidophenols

reaction: see text] 5-Substituted 3-amidophenols are prepared by subjecting 3-substituted halobenzenes to an Ir-catalyzed aromatic borylation, followed by a Pd-catalyzed amidation, and finally an oxidation of the boronic ester intermediate. The entire C-H activation borylation/amidation/oxidation sequence can be accomplished without isolation of any intermediate arenes. Usefully, amide partners can include lactams, carbamates, and ureas.