Switching the site-selectivity of C–H activation in aryl sulfonamides containing strongly coordinating N-heterocycles

The limitations of arene C–H functionalization of aryl sulfonamides containing strongly coordinating N-heterocycles were overcome using a Rh(iii) catalyst. The site-selectivity of C–H carbenoid functionalization at the ortho position relative to either the sulfonamide or N-heterocycle directing groups was elegantly switched using solvents of different polarities and different additive concentrations. Importantly, sulfonamide-group-directed ortho-C–H carbenoid functionalization tolerated strongly coordinating N-heterocycles, including pyridine, pyrrole, thiazole, pyrimidine, and pyrazine. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to rationalize the reaction mechanisms and the influence of reaction polarity.