A weak coordination guided Ru(II)-catalyzed oxidative functionalization of arenes with unactivated olefins is developed, offering a wide variety of ortho-alkenylated benzamides, acetophenones, and benzophenone in high yields. The protocol accommodates several bioactive molecules and allows downstream synthetic manipulations leading to a 2,3-benzodiazepine scaffold. The reaction features a reversible metalation step and favors a regioselective β-hydride elimination event.
Keywords: 2,3-benzodiazepine; Alkenylation; C−H activation; cross-dehydrogenative on; ruthenium.
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