Aerobic Oxidative Alkenylation of Weak O-Coordinating Arylacetamides with Alkenes via a Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation

A versatile and site-selective rhodium(III)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative alkenylation of arylacetamides including primary, secondary, and tertiary amides having a weak O-coordinating acetamide directing group with alkenes is described. In the reaction, air was utilized as a sole oxidant. The reaction was compatible with activated alkenes and maleimides.