Palladium(II)-Catalyzed meta-CH Olefination: Constructing Multisubstituted Arenes through Homo-Diolefination and Sequential Hetero-Diolefination

Divinylbenzene derivatives represent an important class of molecular building blocks in organic chemistry and materials science. Reported herein is the palladium‐catalyzed synthesis of divinylbenzenes by meta‐CH olefination of sulfone‐based arenes. Successful sequential olefinations in a position‐selective manner provided a novel route for the synthesis of hetero‐dialkenylated products, which are difficult to access using conventional methods. Additionally, 1,3,5‐trialkenylated compounds can be generated upon successful removal of the directing group. Jockeying for position: Reported herein is the palladium‐catalyzed synthesis of mono‐ and divinylbenzenes by meta‐CH olefination of benzyl sulfones. Successful sequential olefinations in a position‐selective manner provided a novel route for the synthesis of hetero‐dialkenylated products, which are difficult to access using conventional methods. DG=directing group.