Directing group assisted meta-hydroxylation by C–H activation

meta-Hydroxylated cores are ubiquitous in natural products. Herein, we disclose the first template assisted meta-hydroxylation reaction. Experimental and in silico studies helped us to gain valuable mechanistic insights, including the role of the hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solvent, during C-H hydroxylation. The reactive intermediates, prior to the C-H activation, have been detected by spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, the C-O bond formation has been extended to meta-acetoxylation. The preparation of a phase II quinone reductase activity inducer and a resveratrol precursor illustrated the synthetic significance of the present strategy.