alpha-Arylation of Silyl Enol Ethers via Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization

Carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond functionalization streamlines synthesis by increasing step- and atom-economies. This approach, catalyzed by Rh(III), is combined with the alpha-arylation of ketone-derived silyl enol ethers to achieve a direct cross-coupling event. The advancement of electron-rich alkenes as substrates is enabled through the use of a silver additive and complements existing C-H activation methods that transform enol ester derivatives and electron-deficient alkenes. A Rh(III)/(V)/(III) catalytic cycle is proposed to rationalize mechanistic observations.