Transition Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Functionalizations by Use of Sulfur‐Containing Directing Groups

Abstract Transition metal‐catalyzed direct functionalization of C−H bonds is an economical and efficient way to construct complex molecules that is currently attracting tremendous attention. In particular, the strategy involving transition metal‐catalyzed regioselective C−H activation assisted by sulfur‐containing directing groups has been realized in the past few years in spite of sulfur's ability to poison many transition metal catalysts. This review describes the rational development of sulfur‐containing directing groups including thioethers, sulfoxides, thioamides, alkoxythiocarbonyl groups, and thioketones. Through collective efforts in the community, a range of transition metal‐catalyzed C−H activation transformations using this type of directing group has been developed. magnified image