The first example of the synthesis of m-alkylphenols via a ruthenium-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization of phenol derivatives with sec/tert-alkyl bromides is reported. Mechanistic studies indicated that the m-C-H bond alkylation may involve a radical process and that a six-membered ruthenacycle complex was the active catalyst. Moreover, this approach can provide an expedited strategy for the atom-/step-economical synthesis of many noteworthy pharmaceuticals and other functional molecules.

An efficient Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed C−H bond amidation of indolines at the C7-position using dioxazolone as amidating reagents was first reported. N-Methyl-N-(pyrimidin-2yl)aniline was also found to be a competent coupling partner. This protocol exhibits several unique characteristics, including excellent isolated yields, good functional group tolerance, and operational convenience. Derivatization reactions revealed this method has great potential for applications in synthesis.