A method
for aminoquinoline-directed, cobalt-promoted dimerization of benzamides
has been developed. Reactions proceed in ethanol solvent in the presence
of Mn(OAc)<sub>2</sub> cocatalyst and Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> base and use oxygen as a terminal oxidant. Bromo, iodo, nitro, ether,
and ester moieties are compatible with the reaction conditions. Cross-coupling
of electronically dissimilar aminoquinoline benzamides proceeds with
modest yields and selectivities