Synthesis of Lactams via Ir-Catalyzed C-H Amidation Involving Ir-Nitrene Intermediates.

x-membered lactams were synthesized via either an amidation of sp3 C-H bonds or an electrophilic substitution of arenes via Ir-nitrene intermediates. With the employment of a readily available iridium catalyst in dichloromethane or hexafluoro-2-propanol, a wide range of lactams were synthesized in good to excellent yields with high selectivity.