Amide-Directed Alkenylation of sp2 C-H Bonds Catalyzed by a Cationic Rh(I)/BIPHEP Complex Under Mild Conditions: Dramatic Rate Acceleration by a 1-Pyrrolidinecarbonyl Group

A cationic rhodium(I)/BIPHEP complex catalyzes amide-directed regioselective alkenylations of olefinic or aromatic sp(2) C-H bonds in good yields under mild reaction conditions. The use of a 1-pyrrolidinecarbonyl group as a directing group dramatically accelerates the reaction.