The <i>meta</i>-Selective C–H Functionalization of Phenol Derivatives Using a Nitrile-Based Directing Group

While <i>ortho</i>-C-H activation has been well explored, <i>meta</i>-C-H functionalization of phenols remains challenging due to regioselectivity constraints. Here, we introduce a site-selective <i>meta</i>-C-H olefination strategy using an aliphatic nitrile template under mild room-temperature conditions. This approach leverages nitrile-metal interactions to enable efficient C-H activation, overcoming the harsh conditions required in traditional methods. With a broad substrate scope and high efficiency, this method has been successfully applied to drug-like and natural product derivatives, delivering high yields and selectivities.