Micellar Catalysis for Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed C-H Arylation: Weak-Coordination-Enabled C-H Activation in H2 O.

Chemoselective C-H arylations were accomplished through micellar catalysis by a versatile single-component ruthenium catalyst. The strategy provided expedient access to C-H-arylated ferrocenes with wide functional-group tolerance and ample scope through weak chelation assistance. The sustainability of the C-H arylation was demonstrated by outstanding atom-economy and recycling studies. Detailed computational studies provided support for a facile C-H activation through thioketone assistance.