Ru-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative C-O Bond Formation with Anilines and Phenols.

The Ru catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative C-O bond formation between anilines and phenols is described and discussed. The exclusive C-O versus C-N bond-formation selectivity, moreover in the absence of chelating-assisting directing groups and while leaving the N-H position untouched, is a remarkable feature of this metal-catalyzed radical cross-dehydrogenative coupling.