Addition of <i>N</i>-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyst to Aryl Esters Induces Remote C–Si Bond Activation and Benzylic Carbon Functionalization

Abstract

Through the incorporation of a silicon atom to an aryl carboxylic ester substrate, the resulting C-Si bond can be activated via the addition of a carbene catalyst on a remote site. This strategy allows for efficient functionalization of the benzylic sp³-carbons of aryl carboxylic esters.