A convenient synthesis of anthranilic acids by Pd-catalyzed direct intermolecular ortho-C–H amidation of benzoic acids

An efficient method for synthesis of anthranilic acids by Pd-catalyzed ortho-C–H amidation of benzoic acids is disclosed. The amidation is proposed to proceed by carboxylate-assisted ortho-C–H palladation to form an arylpalladium(II) complex, followed by nitrene insertion to the Pd–C bond.