Ru‐Catalyzed CH Functionalization of Benzoic Acids

Abstract Carboxylic acid‐directed Ru(II)‐catalyzed functionalization of arenes has appeared as one of the most prominent synthetic strategies to build molecular complexity from simplified and easily accessible benzoic acid precursors. In the past decade, various CC and C–heteroatom bond‐forming processes have been realized, which has delineated the potential of this catalytic system. This article systematically highlights these discoveries along with their key mechanistic features. Different modes of Ru(II)‐catalytic manifolds have been thoroughly depicted for the understanding of these catalytic processes. The unique potential of carboxylic acid functionality as a traceless directing group has also been briefly discussed alongside its future prospects.