The direct carbonylation of CH bonds in the benzene ring of N-phenylpyrazoles via catalysis by ruthenium or rhodium complexes is described. The reaction of N-phenylpyrazoles with carbon monoxide and ethylene in the presence of Ru3 (CO) 12 or Rh4 (CO) 12 resulted in the site-selective carbonylation of the ortho CH bonds in the benzene ring to give the corresponding ethyl ketones. A variety of functional groups on the benzene ring can be ...
