Three-Component Ru-Catalyzed Regioselective Alkylarylation of Vinylarenes via Meta -Selective C(sp 2 )-H Bond Functionalization.

We report a novel Ru-catalyzed regioselective alkylarylation of vinylarenes with alkyl halides and arenes via meta -C(sp 2 )-H bond functionalization to construct 1,1-diarylalkanes that generally show bioactivity. In this transformation, a wide spectrum of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl halides and electronically varied arenes was well-tolerated. This reaction is characterized by its exquisite regioselectivity of vinylarenes, unique meta -C(sp 2 )-H selectivity, and redox-neutral conditions. The mechanism presented was supported by radical probes and kinetic isotope effect studies.