Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Maleimides Using Carboxylic Acids as a Traceless Directing Group

An efficient Ru(II)-catalyzed hydroarylation of maleimides with ready-stock aryl carboxylic acids has been developed based on weak carboxylate-directed ortho-C-H alkylation and concomitant decarboxylation processes, fabricating 3-aryl succinimides, a recurrent scaffold in drug molecules, in high yields (up to 97%). The protocol features operational simplicity, avoids the need for precious metal additives/oxidants, and offers broad substrate scope with formal meta- and para-selectivities. It represents the first example of Ru(II)-catalyzed direct arylation of maleimides with unbiased benzoic acids.