An Efficient Method for the Preparation of Styrene Derivatives via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Direct C–H Vinylation

The development of a method for the Rh­(III)-catalyzed direct vinylation of an aromatic C–H bond to give functionalized styrenes in good yield, using vinyl acetate as a convenient and inexpensive vinyl source, is reported. High functional group tolerance is demonstrated for electronically distinct arenes as well as different directing groups. Mechanistic investigation resulted in the characterization of a novel rhodium–metallacycle, which represents the first X-ray structure of a [1,2]-Rh­(III)-alkenyl addition adduct.