Monoprotected Amino Acid (MPAA) Ligand Enabled C–H Alkynylation of Phenyl Acetic Acid

A weakly carboxylate-directed palladium(II)-catalyzed ortho-C–H alkynylation of diverse phenylacetic acids promoted by monoprotected amino acid ligand enabled is reported. The reaction has a broad substrate scope including α-secondary, tertiary, and quaternary phenylacetic acids. Notably, the direct ortho-C–H alkynylation of α-quaternary phenylacetic acids and chiral α-tertiary phenylacetic acids was achieved for the first time. Moreover, this method could be used for simple and efficient gram-scale synthesis and diversification of an anti-inflammatory drug.