Completely regioselective direct C-H functionalization of benzo[b]thiophenes using a simple heterogeneous catalyst.

The first completely selective C3 C-H arylation of benzo[b]thiophenes is reported, demonstrating previously unexploited reactivity of palladium. Benzo[b]thiophenes are coupled with readily available aryl chlorides using a ligand-free, dual catalytic system of heterogeneous Pd/C and CuCl. The reaction is operationally simple and insensitive to air and moisture, and it provides valuable products with complete selectivity. Significant investigations into the nature of the active catalytic species and mechanistic considerations are discussed.