A highly selective catalytic method for the oxidative functionalization of C-H bonds.

This communication describes a new and highly practical Pd(II)-catalyzed method for the regio- and chemoselective oxidative functionalization of arenes and alkanes. Carbon-hydrogen bonds of substrates that contain a variety of directing groups (e.g., pyridine, azobenzene, pyrazole, and imine derivatives) are selectively transformed into esters, ethers, and aryl-halides under mild conditions. The scope of this reaction in terms of substrate, directing group, and oxidant is described, and a preliminary catalytic cycle is proposed.