Palladium-CatalyzedDirected Alkenylation of AlkylAmides with Unactivated Alkenes: Access to γ‑Alkenylγ‑Lactams

Pd(II)-catalyzed cascade C(sp³)–H alkenylation and cyclization of alkyl amides with readily accessible unactivated alkenes have been accomplished. Alkenylation and subsequent intramolecular cyclization empowered the formation of functionalized γ-lactams, which present as an active core of several bioactive and natural products. The use of catalytic Cu(OAc)₂ along with molecular oxygen as the oxidant, a 2-chloropyridine ligand, site selectivity, the substrate scope, and gram-scale synthesis are important practical features.