Pd(0)-Catalyzed Dual C-H Alkylation of Ferrocenes via Selective Functionalization of C,C-Palladacycles.

A Pd(0)-catalyzed dual C-H alkylation reaction of ferrocenes has been developed. This transformation proceeds via two sequential alkylations of C,C-palladacycles generated via C-H activation. The selective functionalization of C(aryl),C(ferrocenyl)-palladacycles plays a critical role in the success of this reaction. Alkylation occurs selectively at the ferrocenyl group, ultimately affording dialkylated ferrocenes as the final products. Thus, this reaction offers a novel route to dialkylated ferrocene derivatives. Conversely, in the arylation reaction, the selectivity is reversed, with arylation occurring exclusively at the aryl group.