Nickel-Catalyzed N-Arylation of Primary Amides and Lactams with Activated (Hetero)aryl Electrophiles.

The first nickel-catalyzed N-arylation of amides with (hetero)aryl (pseudo)halides is reported, enabled by use of the air-stable pre-catalyst (PAd-DalPhos)Ni(o-tolyl)Cl (C1). A range of structurally diverse primary amides and lactams were cross-coupled successfully with activated (hetero)aryl chloride, bromide, triflate, tosylate, mesylate, and sulfamate electrophiles.