C-H Bond Functionalization of Arylpyrimidines Catalyzed by an in situ Generated Ruthenium(II) Carboxylate System and the Construction of Tris(heteroaryl)-Substituted Benzenes

A ruthenium(II) carboxylate catalyst, generated in situ from [RuCl2(p-cymene)](2) and 1-phenyl-1-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (PCCA) in the presence of K2CO3, allowed activation of the C-H bond in phenyl-substituted pyrimidines and their direct functionalization with both electron-deficient and electron-rich aryl halides. The scope of this process can be extended to the use of heteroaryl bromides and less reactive aryl chlorides. This Ru-II-PCCA complex constitutes a better catalytic system in comparison to other carboxylates.