Remarkably High Reactivity of Pd(OAc)2/Pyridine Catalysts: Nondirected CH Oxygenation of Arenes

Less is more: The rational optimization and general applicability of the catalytic system Pd(OAc)2/pyridine is described (see scheme). The catalyst shows excellent reactivity in the CH oxygenation of simple aromatic substrates. The Pd/pyridine ratio is critical as the use of one equivalent of pyridine per Pd center leads to dramatic enhancements in both reactivity and site selectivity in comparison to Pd(OAc)2 alone.