While not the first example of C-H activation, the Murai reaction is notable for its high efficiency and scope.
[6] Bidentate directing groups allow ortho alkylation of aromatic rings with α,β-unsaturated ketones, which typically are unreactive in Murai reactions.
[8] The reaction preferentially adds at the least sterically hindered ortho position, except when there is a meta group capable of coordinating with the Ru catalyst.
[9] The catalytic cycle is proposed to begin with coordination of the ketone followed by oxidative addition of a C-H bond.
As in the Ru0 proposed mechanism, this agostic interaction leads to the oxidative addition of the ortho C-H. Reductive elimination releases H2, which remains coordinated, giving complex 3.