Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed C—H Vinylation of Arenes: Access to Functionalized Styrenes

An effective method has been developed for Rh(III)‐catalyzed direct vinylation of arenes to give functionalized styrenes, using vinyltriethoxysilane as a convenient and inexpensive vinyl source. A wide variety of substrates, including 1‐aryl‐2‐pyrrolidinones, anilines, benzamides and ketones, were compatible with this reaction. Moreover, this method can be applied to the two‐step synthesis of functionalized indoles. Mechanistic investigation reveals that the reaction probably proceeds through an oxidative Heck/desilylation pathway. An effective Rh(III)‐catalyzed direct vinylation of arenes has been developed for the synthesis of functionalized styrenes, using vinyltriethoxysilane as a convenient and inexpensive vinyl source. The reaction is compatible with a wide range of directing groups and various functional groups.