Pd-catalyzed Csp(2) -H functionalization of heteroarenes via isocyanide insertion: concise synthesis of di-(hetero)aryl ketones and di-(hetero)aryl alkylamines.

We report herein an efficient Pd-catalyzed direct C-H bond functionalization of heteroarenes via an isocyanide insertion strategy for the synthesis of di-(hetero)aryl ketones and di-(hetero)aryl alkylamines. The methodology involves a three component reaction between an azole, a haloarene and an isocyanide resulting in the formation of an imine, which in turn is either hydrolyzed or reduced to get the desired product.