Efficient Synthesis of Phthalimides via Cobalt‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Carbonylation of Benzoyl Hydrazides with Carbon Monoxide

A cobalt‐catalyzed C−H carbonylation of benzoyl hydrazides has been developed by using 2‐(1‐methylhydrazinyl)pyridine as the bidentate directing group. This transformation is mild, efficient, operationally simple, and highly functional‐group‐tolerant. The protocol has generated a broad range of phthalimide derivatives in good to excellent yields. The ligand moiety can be readily removed through hydrogenolysis.