Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Alkylation of Arenes Using Alkylboron Reagents

Abstract

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct alkylation of arenes using commercially available alkyltrifluoroborates is disclosed. Oximes, heteroarenes, azomethines, N-nitrosoamines, and amides are viable directing groups to entail this transformation. The alkyl group in the boron reagent can be extended to primary alkyls, benzyl, and cycloalkyls, and the reaction proceeded with controllable mono- and dialkylation selectivity when both ortho C-H sites are accessible.