Efficient synthetic approach to <i>m</i> -terphenyl derivatives <i>via</i> arylation of azolium salts

A series of <i>m</i>-terphenyl scaffolds connected to imidazolium salts have been obtained <i>via</i> Ru(II)-catalyzed arylation using haloarenes. The present approach offers structural flexibility, enabling effective access to diverse <i>m</i>-terphenyl based compounds, which may serve as promising candidates for various biological studies, in a single step utilizing readily available starting materials. Mechanistic studies reveal a pathway involving orthometalation, oxidative addition, and reductive elimination followed by a second arylation.