Aminocarbonylation Reaction Using a Pd-Sn Heterobimetallic Catalyst: Three-Component Coupling for Direct Access of the Amide Functionality

A heterobimetallic "Pd-Sn" catalyst, namely, PdCl-(PPh3)(2)SnCl3, efficiently catalyzes the aminocarbonylation reaction of aryl iodides with amines under the atmospheric pressure of CO in the absence of a base and additive. Primary, secondary, and alkyl amines all afforded the corresponding amides in good to excellent yields with high selectivity. A broad range of functional groups were tolerated. The method was further extended to the synthesis of biologically active isoindoline-1,3-diones in the presence of triethylamine. A mechanism is proposed for the reaction.