Rhodium catalyzed template-assisted distal para-C–H olefination

Abstract

Rhodium catalysis has been extensively used for ortho-C–H functionalization reactions, and successfully extended to meta-C–H functionalization. Its application to para-C–H activation remains an unmet challenge. Herein we disclose the first example of such a reaction, with the Rh-catalyzed para-C–H olefination of arenes. The use of a Si-linked cyanobiphenyl unit as a traceless directing group leads to highly para-selective arene–olefin couplings.