Abstract A designed new class of modifiable sulfur tethers for aromatic C [BOND] H bond functionalizations is presented. As a model, the palladium-catalyzed directed acetoxylation reaction was studied. The more challenging sulfoxide tethers were the most effective in this transformation, showing a broad functionality tolerance, high S oxido-redox stability and no catalyst poisoning. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the higher reactivity and ...