Directing Remote Meta-C–H Functionalization with Cleavable Auxiliaries

The catalytic functionalization of unreactive C–H bonds is an area of great importance for the design of atom economical approaches to useful organic molecules. However, due to the ubiquity of C–H bonds in organic molecules, achieving perfect site-selectivity along with the incorporation of a broad range of functional groups has been one of the major challenges in the area. In this context, the “directing group” strategy has been one of the prevailing methodologies to address issues of selectivity whereby pre-existing functionality within a molecule can direct a metal catalyst to the vicinity of a C–H bond and position it for insertion (Figure 1). Cyclometalated