Palladium-Catalyzed β‑Mesylation of Simple Amide via Primary sp³ C–H Activation

A β-mesylation of primary sp³ C–H bonds from simple amides with methanesulfonic anhydride (Ms₂O) has been established successfully at 80 °C in a Pd­(OAc)₂ (catalyst)/K₂S₂O₈ (oxidant)/CF₃CH₂OH (solvent) system. These amide substrates involve <i>N</i>-monosubstituted linear, branch, or cyclic alkanes, and electron-deficient benzyl compounds. The β-mesylated amide products can be converted easily to β-fluoroamides or β-lactams through inter- or intramolecular S_N2 processes.