Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Distal Weak <i>O</i>‑Coordinating C–H Alkylation of Arylacetamides with Alkenes: Combined Experimental and DFT Studies

The C–H alkylation of arylacetamides with activated alkenes such as substituted acrylates and vinyl sulphone in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst and organic acid via the weak O-coordination under the redox free version is described. The present protocol was effective with different substituted arylacetamides including secondary and tertiary amides. The reaction mechanism including the ortho C–H bond activation, migratory insertion, and protonation by acetic acid was suggested and supported by the deuterium labeling experiments, competitive experiments, and DFT calculations including TS analysis.