Ruthenium-NHC complex-catalyzed P(III)-directed C-H borylation of arylphosphines.

(NHC)(arene)Ru(II) complexes with bidentate LX-type NHC-carboxylate ligands were efficiently synthesized and fully characterized including solid-state structures. The strong coordination of the NHC carboxylate ligand and the labile character of the arene ligand are highlighted. These unprecedented Ru(II) complexes demonstrated efficient catalytic activities in the selective P(III)-directed C-H borylation at the position of arylphosphines, representing the first report of the use of a ruthenium-NHC based catalyst in C-H borylation.