Thioether-directed Rh(iii)-catalyzed peri-selective acyloxylation of arenes

A thioether directed acyloxylation of arenes has been realized via Cp*Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation and subsequent coupling with carboxylic acids. This new method showed high functional group compatibility and broad substrate scope. Primary mechanistic studies have been conducted and a tentative reaction mechanism was proposed. It represents the first example of a thioether-directed Cp*Rh(III)-catalyzed C(sp2)-H acyloxylation reaction.