Electrochemical Ruthenium-Catalysed Directed C-H Functionalization of Arenes with Boron Reagents

Ortho-directed electrochemical C-H functionalization of aromatics with boron-based coupling partners has been achieved under ruthenium catalysis through an oxidatively induced reductive elimination mechanism. Our method provides a single set of conditions delivering C-H arylation, alkenylation and methylation, yielding ortho-functionalized products with good functional group tolerance, including examples of late-stage functionalization in synthetically useful yields. By harnessing electricity as a 'green' oxidant, this method circumvents the need for stoichiometric quantities of chemical oxidants, enhancing our sustainability metrics. image