Gold‐Catalyzed Redox‐Neutral Reaction of Nitriles with Quinoline N‐Oxides

Abstract A method for the redox‐neutral reaction of nitriles with quinoline N ‐oxides via gold catalysis is described. This transformation features a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. A series of C2‐amidated quinolines were synthesized in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies suggested that the oxidative gold catalysis of nitriles might be initiated by the σ‐coordination of the gold catalyst with the N atom on nitrile, then the coordinated gold‐nitrile intermediate is captured and oxidized by quinoline N ‐oxides.