Host–Guest Interaction-Controlled Site-Selective C–H Borylation of Aromatic Compounds

The site-selective transformation of aromatic compounds remains a challenge in organic synthesis. Conventional methods for controlling site-selectivity often use directing groups, which limit substrate availability owing to the need for coordinating functional groups. Herein, we report a strategy in which the cyclic moiety of a catalyst recognizes and traps the substrate via host-guest interaction between the catalyst and substrate, allowing the catalytically active site to preferentially approach the desired reaction site, thereby enabling site-selective reactions. This catalyst can be used to control the site-selectivity of substrates that lack functional groups, which are essential in conventional methods. These results have the potential to extend the substrate scope and provide new catalyst designs for carbon-hydrogen bond transformations.