Synthesis of m-Alkylphenols via a Ruthenium-Catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization of Phenol Derivatives.

The first example of the synthesis of m-alkylphenols via a ruthenium-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization of phenol derivatives with sec/tert-alkyl bromides is reported. Mechanistic studies indicated that the m-C-H bond alkylation may involve a radical process and that a six-membered ruthenacycle complex was the active catalyst. Moreover, this approach can provide an expedited strategy for the atom-/step-economical synthesis of many noteworthy pharmaceuticals and other functional molecules.