Remote control: The title reaction for β–ζ arylation of α‐amino esters with aryl bromides is described. This reaction, which occurs selectively at the terminal position of linear alkyl chains, gives rise to synthetically useful (hetero)arylalanines and homologues after debenzylation (see scheme).
Silyl ketene acetals are shown to be competent nucleophiles in Pd-catalyzed migrative C(sp3)–H arylations. Compared to the parent ester lithium enolates, they possess decreased reactivity but enhanced chemoselectivity. This behavior was exploited through the synthesis of valuable benzo-fused δ-lactones such as 1-isochromanones and dihydrocoumarins.