Metal-catalyzed direct alkylations of (hetero)arenes via C-H bond cleavages with unactivated alkyl halides.

Significant progress has been made in direct alkylations of (hetero)arenes with unactivated alkyl halides. Thus, C-H bond functionalizations were accomplished with beta-hydrogen-containing alkyl halides in the presence of palladium, nickel or ruthenium catalysts under basic reaction conditions. A valuable asset of these methodologies is represented by their excellent regio- and chemoselectivities, along with remarkable mild reaction conditions, rendering this approach an attractive alternative to traditional alkylation strategies.