Nature Catalysis, Published online: 02 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41929-025-01309-6The site-selective functionalization of C(sp2)–H bonds is a powerful strategy for the synthesis of structurally diverse compounds with broad applicability. Here the authors show ruthenium-catalysed regiodivergent methods for the installation of silyl synthetic handles at both ortho and meta sites within arenes.