Synthesis of Olefin-Oxazoline Ligands (OlefOx) by Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Oxidative Olefination

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed oxidative olefination of 2-aryloxazolines is described and has been employed for the synthesis of olefin-oxazoline ligands (OlefOx). The highly modular synthesis starting from readily available 2-aryloxazolines can be performed under an atmosphere of air as the terminal oxidant with catalytic amounts of copper(II)-acetate.