Metalation Dictates Remote Regioselectivity: Ruthenium-Catalyzed Functionalization of meta CArH Bonds.

Remote control: The title reaction is effective for the sulfonation and alkylation of arenes bearing directing groups. Initial ortho metalation of the substrate forms an intermediate which does not evolve towards functionalization at the CM bond. Instead, the ruthenium catalyst acts as a strong electron‐donating group, thus directing a remote electrophilic attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]