2-Hydroxy-1,10-phenanthroline vs 1,10-Phenanthroline: Significant Ligand Acceleration Effects in the Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative Heck Reaction of Arenes

A series of bidentate monoanionic nitrogen ligands were designed and applied in the Pd-catalyzed oxidative Heck reaction of arenes with alkenes. Significant ligand-accelerated effects were observed, and direct C-H functionalized products were formed in high yields with meta-selectivity.