Catalytic and Highly Regioselective Cross-Coupling of Aromatic C−H Substrates

This communication describes a new Pd-catalyzed reaction for the highly chemo- and regioselective oxidative cross-coupling of aromatic C−H bonds. This transformation is proposed to proceed via two discrete C−H activation steps whose selectivities are predominantly controlled by proximity to a ligand (first C−H activation) or by the steric environment around the arene C−H bond (second C−H activation). Furthermore, the selectivity of the second C−H activation reaction can be controlled by tuning the ligand environment around the Pd center.