Pd(ii)-catalysed o-aroylation of directing arenes using terminal aryl alkenes and alkynes

Abstract

A substrate-directed Pd-catalysed o-aroylation strategy has been demonstrated using new aroyl surrogates viz. terminal aryl alkenes and alkynes in the presence of TBHP. By a subtle change in catalyst from Cu to Pd, a differential selectivity is observed. While terminal aryl alkenes/alkynes in the presence of Cu/TBHP are reported to act as o-aryloxy (ArCOO–) sources, the use of Pd/TBHP installs an aroyl (ArCO–) group at the ortho position with respect to the directing arenes.