Abstract
A novel, efficient and mutual strategy on Pd(II)-catalyzed inert benzylic C(sp(3))-H bond activation of benzylphenyl sulfides and sulfoxides has been developed that provides access to a series of benzaldehydes via cascade C(sp(3))-S bond cleavage in one pot. The highlight of this protocol is the regiospecific activation of less reactive benzylic C(sp(3))-H bond as compared to heteroatom-directed more reactive C(sp(2))-H bond, thus providing a strategy for late-stage site-selective C(sp(3))-H bond functionalization. The reaction proceeds under air in moderate to good yields with excellent functional groups tolerance.