meta‐ and para‐Selective C−H Functionalization using Transient Mediators and Noncovalent Templates

The efficient functionalization of nonactivated aromatic C−H bonds has emerged out as one of the most viable synthetic tools with respect to its versatile synthetic potential. The most successful approach for achieving positional selectivity has involved directing‐group manipulations. However, selective functionalization of distal C−H bonds, in particular those remote from the reactive functional group or the directing group, remains a daunting challenge in synthetic organic chemistry. However, several recent approaches have been developed to address this issue, including the use of transient mediators and noncovalent templates, which are discussed in this Focus Review.