Ligand-promoted ruthenium-catalyzed meta C–H chlorination of arenes using N-chloro-2,10-camphorsultam

Abstract

A practical meta C–H chlorination protocol is established via a Ru(0)-catalyzed ortho-metalation strategy. The use of N-chloro-2,10-camphorsultam as a new chlorinating agent is crucial for the success of the current reaction and an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand could significantly enhance the reactivity of the catalytic transformation. The mechanistic studies reveal that an unusual ortho C–H ruthenation relay process with ortho chlorination of the C–Ru bond is probably involved.