C8–H bond activation vs. C2–H bond activation: from naphthyl amines to lactams

Pd-catalyzed selective amine-oriented C8-H bond functionalization/N-dealkylative carbonylation of naphthyl amines has been achieved. The amine group from dealkylation is proposed to be the directing group for promoting this process. It represents a straightforward and easy method to access various biologically important benzo[cd]indol-2(1H)-one derivatives.