The ortho arylation of anilides to form biphenyls via a twofold C− H functionalization/C− C bond-forming process is described. The oxidative coupling takes place in the presence of 5− 10 mol% of Pd (OAc) 2, 10− 20 mol% of DMSO, and 4− 11 equiv of the aryl substrate in TFA under an oxygen atmosphere. No metal-containing cocatalyst is required.
