An Ir-catalyzed reaction of N-benzylideneanilines with functionalized alkenes such as α,β-unsaturated esters gave ortho-substituted benzaldehyde derivatives with a functional group at the remote position after acidic treatment. The present transformation involves deconjugative long-range isomerization (chain-walking) up to 11 times and C−H activation using an imino group as a transient directing group.

Pd(II)-Catalyzed sp3 C-H bond benzoxylation of N-phthaloyl alanine derivatives possessing an 8-aminoquinolyl group as a directing group with aldehydes under ambient conditions is reported. When a solution of an alanine derivative and an aldehyde in a toluene/water co-solvent was reacted in the presence of palladium catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide at room temperature, a benzoxylated product was formed in up to 68% yield. The protecting group of the obtained benzoxylated product was smoothly removed to afford a free amide in high yield.