Introduction to Spatial Anion Control for Direct C–H Arylation

Abstract C–H activation of functionally rich molecules without the need for directing groups promises shorter organic syntheses and late-stage diversification of molecules for drug discovery. We highlight recent examples of palladium-catalyzed nondirected functionalization of C–H bonds in arenes as limiting substrates with a focus on the development of the concept of spatial anion control for direct C–H arylation. 1 C–H Activation and the CMD Mechanism 2 Nondirected C–H Functionalizations of Arenes as Limiting Substrates 3 Nondirected C–H Arylation 4 Spatial Anion Control for Direct C–H Arylation 5 Coordination Chemistry with Spatial Anion Control 6 Conclusion