Ruthenium-Catalyzed Addition of Aromatic Esters at the ortho C–H Bonds to Olefins

Abstract
A ruthenium complex, Ru(H)2(CO)(PPh3)3, can catalyze the addition of aromatic and heteroaromatic esters at the ortho carbon-hydrogen bonds to olefinic double bonds. While un-substituted alkyl benzoate did not react, those substituted with CF3 or F underwent smooth catalytic addition. A heteroaromatic ester and a benzo-δ-lactone also reacted.