BINOL accelerated Ru(II)-catalyzed regioselective C-H functionalization of arenes with disulfides and diselenides

A BINOL accelerated Ru-catalyzed ortho-selective C-H coupling of arenes tethered to 7-azaindoles is described with disulfides and diselenides under air. The thioether can be readily oxidized to sulfoxide and sulfone. The use of less expensive Ru-catalysis, substrate scope and scale-up are the important practical features. Ru-catalyzed ortho-selective C-H coupling of arenes tethered to 7-azaindoles with disulfides and diselenides has been accomplished under air. The use of less expensive Ru-catalysis, substrate scope and scale up are the important practical features.