Cp*Rh(III) and Cp*Ir(III)-catalysed redox-neutral C-H arylation with quinone diazides: quick and facile synthesis of arylated phenols.

Cp*Rh(III)- and Cp*Ir(III)-catalysed direct C-H arylation with quinone diazides as efficient coupling partners is disclosed. This redox-neutral protocol offers a facile, operationally simple and environmentally benign access to arylated phenols. The reaction represents the first example of Cp*Ir(III)-catalysed C-H direct arylation reaction.