Authors: Peng-Bo Bai, Alastair Durie, Gang-Wei Wang, Igor Larrosa
Published: 2024-01-02
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44219-6
Source: Full article
AbstractRegioselective arene C−H bond alkylation is a powerful tool in synthetic chemistry, yet subject to many challenges. Herein, we report the meta-C−H bond alkylation of aromatics bearing N-directing groups using (hetero)aromatic epoxides as alkylating agents. This method results in complete regioselectivity on both the arene as well as the epoxide coupling partners, cleaving exclusively the benzylic C−O bond. Oxetanes, which are normally unreactive, also participate as alkylating reagents under the reaction conditions. Our mechanistic studies reveal an unexpected reversible epoxide ring opening process undergoing catalyst-controlled regioselection, as key for the observed high regioselectivities.