Silver-mediated intermolecular ortho -trifluoromethoxylation of pyridyl-arenes

The direct introduction of a trifluoromethoxy group into aromatic C-H bonds is a highly desirable yet formidable transformation, primarily due to the challenges in controlling regioselectivity. While the intramolecular version of this transformation has been reported, developing an intermolecular variant has remained elusive. We herein describe a directing-group-assisted approach that enables regioselective intermolecular aromatic C-H trifluoromethoxylation. This method offers a direct approach to access aromatic trifluoromethoxy compounds.