2‐(o‐Tolyl) Pyridine as Ligand Improves the Efficiency in Ketone Directed ortho‐Arylation

Abstract

Herein, we report a ruthenium-catalyzed ketone directed ortho-arylation wherein the addition of a bidentate NC-type ligand, most effectively 2-(o-tolyl) pyridine, significantly enhances the C−H arylation reaction. Various aryl-alkyl ketones, including cyclic, aliphatic, and heterocyclic ones, are competent substrates, and arylboronic acid esters were used as aryl sources. However, substitution with OMe and CF₃ in the aromatic ring of the ketone substrates is not tolerated, while such residues on the benzoic ester are possible. Notably, this study provides valuable insights into ketone-directed ortho arylation in the presence of 2-(o-tolyl) pyridine and adds additional options for catalyst and ligand optimization in ruthenium-catalyzed C−H functionalization.