Platinum-Catalyzed Double Acylation of 2‑(Aryloxy)pyridines via Direct C–H Activation

A unique, platinum-catalyzed, direct C–H acylation of 2-(aryloxy)­pyridines with acyl chlorides is discovered. The reaction requires neither an oxidant nor other additives. When both <i>ortho</i> positions of the aryl group are accessible, the double acylation occurs readily to produce the diacylated products. Aliphatic, aromatic, and α,β-unsaturated acyl groups can all be introduced. The acylation reaction may proceed through an analogous aromatic electrophilic substitution triggered by the nucleophilic attack of the platinum at the acyl chloride