Transition metal mediated C-H activation has been discovered for over half a century. However, it is still difficult to achieve regio-selectivity of aryl C-H bonds without the presence of a directing group. Herein we report the activation of aryl C-H bonds of unactivated benzene and its derivatives with high regio-selectivity. Toluene was found to be activated primarily at the meta-position with no para and benzylic activation observed. Electron donating functional groups are well tolerated. Interesting competing reactions have been observed for halogenated benzenes and mechanistic proposals will be discussed.

Reductive cleavage of aromatic C-H bonds by lanthanides: Scope and selectivity

245th National Meeting (2013)

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