Ruthenium-catalysed meta-selective CAr–H bond alkylation via a deaminative strategy

The use of aliphatic amines as alkylating reagents in organic synthesis via C–N bond activation remains underdeveloped. We herein describe a novel ruthenium-catalysed and directing-group assisted protocol for the synthesis of meta-alkylated arenes via dual C–H and C–N activation. Bench-stable and easily handled redox-active Katritzky pyridinium salts derived from abundant amines and amino acid species were used as alkyl radical precursors. This catalytic reaction could accommodate a broad range of functional groups and provide access to various meta-alkylated products.