Visible-Light-Mediated Bimetal-Catalyzed meta-Alkylation of Arenes

Org Lett. 2024 Jan 19;26(2):427-432. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c03266. Epub 2024 Jan 8.

Abstract

A mild approach to the visible-light-mediated bimetal-catalyzed meta-alkylation of arenes has been accomplished. The regioselective meta-alkylation is realized by a bimetallic ruthenium-palladium system. Ruthenium acts as a catalyst for the directing effect and as a photosensitizer, while the cocatalyst palladium behaves as a catalyst for the generation of fluoroalkyl radicals. This reaction not only is suitable for two-component meta-fluoroalkylation of arenes but can also be extended to three-component reactions to achieve bifunctionalization of olefins.