Catalytic Regioselective C-H Acetoxylation of Arenes Using 4,6-Dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yloxy as a Removable/Modifiable Directing Group

One of the major current challenges in the field of C-H functionalization is the development of new removable/modifiable directing groups (DGs). We report here the 4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yloxy group as a new readily removable/modifiable DG for the regioselective acetoxylation of 2-(aryloxy)-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine. This developed phenol-derived DG can be easily removed to offer synthetically versatile pyrocatechols or converted into a useful biphenyl skeleton. In addition, the acetoxylation of 2-(aryloxy)-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine offers a new avenue to synthesize polysubstituted s-triazine derivatives.