Directing groups in a substrate are frequently used to direct the regioselectivity of C–H activation reactions. Now it has been shown that regioselectivity can be directed by a ligand, which binds to both the catalysing metal centre and a distal hydrogen-bond acceptor in the substrate. This secondary interaction places the metal in close proximity to the reacting C–H bond.
- Yoichiro Kuninobu
- Haruka Ida
- Motomu Kanai
