A Pd(II)-catalyzed regioselective dual C(sp3)–H/C7(sp2)–H activation and annulation of 8-methylquinoline N-oxides with maleimide has been accomplished[1]. The use of N-oxide as a weak directing group under Pd(II)-complex catalysis activates the initial C(sp3)–H and triggers a relayed, second C7(sp2)–H activation. The dual C–H bond activation, [3 + 2]-annulation, facile introduction and removal of the directing group, substrate scope, and functional group diversity are the important practical features.
