Non-directed Pd-catalysed C-H arylation of [2.2]paracyclophane.

We report herein the palladium-catalysed mono-selective C-H arylation of [2.2]paracyclophane (PCP) with diverse aryl iodides in the absence of any pendant directing groups, providing straightforward and modular access to C4-arylated [2.2]paracyclophanes. Moreover, a new PCP-containing biaryl monophosphine complex could be readily obtained through further derivation of the arylated product.