Palladium-catalyzed direct oxidative ortho-acylation of anilides with toluene derivatives

Direct oxidative ortho-acylation reaction of anilides with toluene derivatives in the presence of palladium acetate using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant was developed. A broad range of diaryl ketones was obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 95%). The plausible mechanism was also proposed.