Cu-Catalyzed Mild C(sp2)-H Functionalization Assisted by Carboxylic Acids en Route to Hydroxylated Arenes

A formal Cu-catalyzed C(sp²)-H hydroxylation assisted by benzoic acids is described. The procedure is characterized by its mild reaction conditions and wide substrate scope utilizing simple and cheap Cu catalysts, thus becoming a user-friendly and operationally simple protocol for C(sp²)-H hydroxylation.