Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Olefin Hydroarylation of Aromatic Aldehydes Using a Transient Directing Group

A Rh­(III)-catalyzed intramolecular olefin hydroarylation of aromatic aldehydes with a transient directing group has been described. The bidentate directing groups in situ generated from aromatic aldehydes and β-alanine could enable the subsequent C–H activation and hydroarylation with excellent site selectivities and high functional group compatibility. The further conversion of the aldehyde group showcased the broad application prospects of this methodology.