Sulfoximine directed intermolecular o-C-H amidation of arenes with sulfonyl azides.

The Ru(II)-catalyzed intermolecular o-C-H amidation of arenes in N-benzoylated sulfoximine with sulfonyl azides is demonstrated. The reaction proceeds with broad substrate scope and tolerates various functional groups. Base hydrolysis of the amidation product provides the anthranilic acid derivatives and methylphenyl sulfoximine (MPS) directing group. This method is successfully employed for the synthesis of HMR 1766.