Synthesis of Catechols from Phenols via Pd-Catalyzed Silanol-Directed C–H Oxygenation

A silanol-directed, Pd-catalyzed C–H oxygenation of phenols into catechols is presented. This method is highly site selective and general, as it allows for oxygenation of not only electron-neutral but also electron-poor phenols. This method operates via a silanol-directed acetoxylation, followed by a subsequent acid-catalyzed cyclization reaction into a cyclic silicon-protected catechol. A routine desilylation of the silacyle with TBAF uncovers the catechol product.

Vladimir Gevorgyan, JACS 2011, DOI: 10.1021/ja208572v