Catalytic Direct β-Arylation of Simple Ketones with Aryl Iodides

Herein we report a direct beta-arylation of simple ketones with widely available aryl iodides, combining palladium-catalyzed ketone oxidation, aryl-halide activation, and conjugate addition through a single catalytic cycle. Simple cyclic ketones with different ring-sizes, as well as acyclic ketones, can be directly arylated at the beta-position with complete site-selectivity and excellent functional group tolerance.