Iridium-Catalyzed <i>ortho</i>-C(sp²)–H Amidation of Benzaldehydes with Organic Azides

An iridium-catalyzed ortho-C­(sp2)–H amidation reaction of benzaldehydes with organic azides has been developed. A catalytic amount of 3,5-di­(trifluoromethyl)­aniline was used to promote the Ir-catalyzed directed C–H amination reaction through a transient aldimine intermediate. This reaction tolerates a broad scope of benzaldehyde substrates and works well with a range of aryl- and alkylsulfonyl azides.