Amides as Weak Coordinating Groups in Proximal C–H Bond Activation

Site selectivity is an inherent challenge in C–H functionalization reactions. The most intensively sought‐after approaches have involved the employment of Lewis‐basic coordinating groups to direct a metal to a proximal site, in the process generating a metallacycle capable of further organometallic reactivity. In the recent years considerable effort has been directed towards the development of new transformations involving transition‐metal‐mediated C–H functionalization directed by weakly coordinating groups. This microreview focuses on the role and utility of amides and anilides in directed, proximal C–H bond functionalization reactions.