Visible‐Light‐Enabled Ruthenium‐Catalyzed <i>meta</i>‐C−H Alkylation at Room Temperature

Abstract

Visible-light-induced ruthenium catalysis has enabled remote C-H alkylations with excellent levels of position control under exceedingly mild conditions at room temperature. The metallaphotocatalysis occurred under exogenous-photosensitizer-free conditions and features an ample substrate scope. The robust nature of the photo-induced mild meta-C-H functionalization is reflected by the broad functional group tolerance, and the reaction can be carried out in an operationally simple manner, setting the stage for challenging secondary and tertiary meta-C-H alkylations by ruthenaphotoredox catalysis.