C�H activation is an important, growing field because it allows for the selective functionalization of previously unreactive C�H bonds with fewer steps than traditional synthesis methods. The Yu group at The Scripps Research Institute has developed a method to activate meta C�H bonds in a variety of substrates using a removable template. We present a Density Functional Theory study on the mechanism and selectivity of this methodology. The first focus of this study is to elucidate how template conformation governs regioselectivity.  Additionally, we examine why the reaction is meta-selective in the presence of an amino acid ligand and ortho-selective in its absence. Finally, we show that template distortion energy is a key factor in determining regioselectivity.

Computational studies of template-directed meta C�H activation

248th National Meeting (2014)

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