Thioether-directed acetoxylation of C(sp2)–H bonds of arenes by palladium catalysis†
Abstract
The palladium-catalyzed acetoxylation of aromatic C(sp2)–H bonds utilizing thioether as the directing group was developed. Both benzyl sulfides and phenethyl sulfides could react with PhI(OAc)2 to afford the site-selectively acetoxylated products in good yields. The directing groups could be further transformed into synthetically useful functional groups or successfully removed.