Nondirected C-H alkenylation of arenes with alkenes under rhodium catalysis

Abstract

A nondirected dehydrogenative direct alkenylation of simple aromatic compounds with alkenes under rhodium catalysis is described. The site-selectivity is dominantly dictated by the steric bulkiness around the targeted CH bond. The reaction efficiency was largely contingent on the identity of copper(II) carboxylate as oxidant, and considerable improvement of the productivity was achieved by the addition of a sulfate salt.