C–H Functionalization at Sterically Congested Positions by the Platinum-Catalyzed Borylation of Arenes

Despite significant progress in the area of C-H bond functionalization of arenes, no general method has been reported for the functionalization of C-H bonds at the sterically encumbered positions of simple arenes, such as mesitylene. Herein, we report the development of the first platinum-based catalyst for C-H borylation of arenes and heteroarenes. Notably, this method exhibited high tolerance toward steric hindrance and provided rapid access to a series of 2,6-disubstituted phenylboronic esters, valuable building blocks for further elaborations.