Efficient catalytic addition of aromatic carbon-hydrogen bonds to olefins

The selective cleavage of carbon–hydrogen bonds in organic compounds is a critical step in many organic syntheses, and is particularly important in the conversion of hydrocarbons to useful organic compounds. An organometallic ruthenium complex can cleave C–H bonds in a variety of aromatic systems, leading to addition to alkenes by C–C bond formation. The catalyst operates with a degree of efficiency, selectivity and generality that will make it extremely valuable in organic synthesis.