Synthesis of Complex Phenols Enabled by a Rationally Designed Hydroxide Surrogate

The conversion of aryl halides to phenols under mild reaction conditions is a longstanding and formidable challenge in organic chemistry. Herein, we report the rational design of a broadly applicable Pd-catalyzed method to prepare phenols with benzaldehyde oxime as a hydroxide surrogate. These reactions occur under mildly basic conditions and enable the late-stage hydroxylation of several functionally-dense drug-like aryl halides.