Site-selective carbonylation of arenesviaC(sp2)–H thianthrenation: direct access to 1,2-diarylethanones

Herein, a new reaction for the site-selective carbonylation of arenes via C(sp2)-H thianthrenation under mild conditions has been developed. With low loadings of palladium catalysts, various desired 1,2-diarylethanones are produced in good yields. This strategy also enables the late-stage modification of complex molecules, which was previously challenging with similar carbonylative Negishi-type reactions.