Non-radical pathways control methane sulfonation versus oxygenation C–H functionalization selectivity with Hg( ii ) and Au( iii ) catalysis

Key Points

• The study aims to explore how non-radical pathways influence the selectivity in methane S- versus O-functionalization.
• Developed a non-radical mechanistic model to analyze reaction pathways.
• Investigated the roles of Hg(ii) and Au(iii) as catalysts in the functionalization processes.
• Demonstrated a distinct selectivity favoring sulfur versus oxygen functionalization under specific conditions.
• Revealed that catalyst choice significantly impacts the direction of C–H functionalization.