Palladium-catalyzed indium-mediated reductive aromatic C-H allylation of N-benzylsulfonimides with allyl esters

An unprecedented reductive aromatic C-H allylation reaction of benzyl electrophiles with allyl electrophiles has been established. A range of N-benzylsulfonimides smoothly participated in the palladium-catalyzed indium-mediated reductive aromatic C-H allylation with various allyl acetates, delivering structurally diverse allyl(hetero)arenes in moderate to excellent yields with good to excellent site selectivity. The use of inexpensive allyl esters for the reductive aromatic C-H allylation of N-benzylsulfonimides avoids the preparation of allyl organometallic reagents in advance and complements traditional functionalization of aromatic rings.