We report our latest discovery of norbornene derivative modulated highly mono-selective ortho-C-H activation alkylation reactions on arenes bearing simple mono-dentate coordinating groups. The reaction features the use of readily available benzamides and alkyl halides. During the study, we prepared 30 mono-alkylated aryl amides in good yields with good mono-selectivity. We have also demonstrated that structurally rigid alkenes such as norbornene and its derivatives are a good class of ligand and could be used for future direct C-H functionalizations. The utilization of norbornene type ligands for assistance in C-H activation processes has opened a new window for future molecular design using direct C-H functionalization strategies.

: Carbon centered molecules have been very well recognized in the past for both academic and industrial purposes. Utilizing inert element instead of carbon atom could bring more molecular complexity as well as potential binding in medicinal chemistry. We report herein a number of strategies for the syntheses of Ru-centered molecules starting from commercially available [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 dimer substituted phenyl-heterocycles via Concerted Metalation Deprotonation (CMD) processes. Halogen atom ligand exchange and arene ligand exchange from the skeleton have been achieved. Under such procedures, a collectively good number of (26) Ru-arene complexes have been prepared efficiently. The Ru-complexes prepared have covered broad spectrum of functional groups on the 4 possible positions. Moreover, the Suzuki coupling reaction on the Ru-centered complex was realized with good yield (90%). The access of a library of these compounds would allow molecular chemists to consider the utilization of these molecules rather than purely organometallic reagents for inorganic chemistry or catalysis.