Palladium-Catalyzed meta-Selective C-H Functionalization by Noncovalent H-Bonding Interaction

Controlling positional selectivity represents one of the most important aspects in transition-metal-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization. However, the conventional directing template strategies via a covalent binding to the substrates are always hindered by prior stoichiometric installation and removal of the directing groups. Herein, we report a palladium-catalyzed meta-selective C-H olefination of aromatic carbonyl compounds by noncovalent hydrogen-bonding interaction. N,N'-Substituted ureas were engineered to serve as a H-bonding donor for binding to the substrates and, meanwhile, achieve site-selective control by the integrated directing group.

Automated summary

A new palladium-catalyzed meta-selective C-H olefination of aromatic carbonyl compounds was achieved by utilizing noncovalent hydrogen-bonding interaction directed by engineered N,N'-substituted ureas, demonstrating site-selective control without the need for prior stoichiometric installation and removal of directing groups.