Ruthenium-Catalyzed C–H Functionalization of Benzoic Acids with Allyl Alcohols: A Controlled Reactivity Switch between C–H Alkenylation and C–H Alkylation Pathways

Abstract

A highly selective and switchable ruthenium-catalyzed ortho C-H alkylation and C-H alkenylation of benzoic acids with allyl alcohols is reported. A complete switch in selectivity is achieved upon tuning the reactivity of the organometallic intermediate in the carboxylate-directed C-H activation to provide access to highly useful motifs such as 2-alkylbenzoic acids and phthalides.