Catalytic direct β-arylation of simple ketones with aryl iodides.

Herein we report a direct β-arylation of simple ketones with widely available aryl iodides, combining palladium-catalyzed ketone oxidation, aryl-halide activation, and conjugate addition through a single catalytic cycle. Simple cyclic ketones with different ring-sizes, as well as acyclic ketones, can be directly arylated at the β-position with complete site-selectivity and excellent functional group tolerance.