RuH2(CO)(PPh3)3-catalyzed arylation of aromatic esters using arylboronates via C–H bond cleavages

The RuH2(CO)(PPh3)3-catalyzed C–H functionalization of aromatic esters with 5,5-dimethyl-2-aryl-[1,3,2]dioxaborinanes (arylboronates) gave the ortho arylation products. This coupling reaction can be performed with various combinations of isopropyl benzoate derivatives and arylboronates. Introduction of CF3 group in the aromatic ring increased the reactivity of the esters. Pinacolone effectively served as an acceptor of a hydride generated by C–H bond cleavage, and the amount of pinacolone used also affected the yield of the arylation product.