Synthesis of Stilbenes by Rhodium-Catalyzed Aerobic Alkenylation of Arenes via C-H Activation

Arene alkenylation is commonly achieved by late transition metal-mediated C(sp(2))-C(sp(2)) cross-coupling, but this strategy typically requires prefunctionalized substrates (e.g., with halides or pseudohalides) and/or the presence of a directing group on the arene. Transition metal-mediated arene C-H activation and alkenylation offers an alternative method to functionalize arene substrates. Herein, we report a rhodium-catalyzed oxidative arene alkenylation from arenes and styrenes to prepare stilbene and stilbene derivatives. The reaction is successful with several functional groups on both the arene and the olefin including fluoride, chloride, trifluoromethyl, ester, nitro, acetate, cyanide, and ether groups. Reactions of monosubstituted arenes are selective for alkenylation at the meta and para positions, generally with approximately 2:1 selectivity, respectively. Resveratrol and (E)-1,2,3-trimethoxy-5-(4-methoxystyryl)benzene (DMU-212) are synthesized by this single-step approach in high yield. Comparison with palladium catalysis showed that rhodium catalysis is more selective for meta-functionalization for monosubstituted arenes and that the Rh catalysis has better tolerance of halogen groups.