An efficient and selective hydroarylation of styrenes with electron-rich arenes, catalyzed by bismuth(III) chloride and affording Markovnikov adducts

In the presence of BiCl3, the hydroarylation of styrenes with electron-rich arenes afforded Markovnikov adducts selectively in good to high yields. Under arene-free conditions, the intermolecular hydroarylation of a-substituted styrenes and subsequent intramolecular hydroarylation produced the cyclic dimers of a-substituted styrenes in good yields. (c) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006.