The development of a suitable methodology for the introduction of functional groups into the core of aromatic molecules has continued to be an indicator of synthetic progress for over a century. It was already considered of utmost importance nearly 150 years ago, when Kekule dedicated his Chemie der Benzolderivate oder der aromatischen Verbindungen to this particular topic. [1] Within the field of modern arene chemistry, [2] the general concept of direct CÀH functionalization of arenes represents an area with particularly impressive advances over recent years. Classic concepts rely on suitable directing groups for ortho-functionalization. This concept was widely explored for stoichiometric ortho-lithiation, [3] as well as in more recent developments employing transition metal based catalysts, which rely on cyclometalation reactions, where palladium and ruthenium have played prominent roles.[4] In addition to conventional ortho-functionalization, some groups have recently started to explore the development of suitable catalytic conditions for meta-selective CÀH derivatization of arenes. [5] Some time ago, Yu described an important break-through in the field of palladium catalysis. By designing suitable directing groups containing nitrile substituents, his group was able to devise an efficient chelation control in order to generate a coordinated palladium complex A and to direct the cyclopalladation to proceed preferentially at the meta-position (Scheme 1). [6] Although representing a striking methodological accomplishment, removal of the directing group was not straightforward. Readily cleavable directing groups have emerged among recent progress in the area of palladium-catalyzed CÀH derivatization. [7] Following this approach, Yu has now built upon this earlier concept of nitrile-chelation control for palladium-catalyzed position-selective olefination of arenes. This new protocol contains two important accomplishments: the parent arene is a phenol unit and the directing group undergoes traceless removal. Directing a CÀH functionalization into the meta-position of a phenol derivative constitutes a chemical transformation that is not possible through classic aromatic substitution chemistry. To realize such meta-position selectivity, Yu recurred to an a-phenoxy acetamide bearing two nitrile-chelating groups. Upon coordination to palladium, the combination of two appropriate groups should place the metal in close proximity to the meta-position of the phenol substrate, thereby promoting the desired CÀH palladation to take place selectively (Scheme 2).Based on this elegant design, the desired meta-functionalization became indeed possible through a 13-membered cyclopalladated intermediate. Under catalytic conditions, the concept of meta-CÀH functionalization was validated for a series of olefination reactions. A catalyst from palladium acetate, N-acetyl glycine as ligand 2 and silver acetate as terminal oxidant generate the best reaction conditions for the conversion of a number of phenol derivatives 1 (Scheme 3). ...