Controlling reactivity in the Fujiwara-Moritani reaction: Examining solvent effects and the addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl ligands on the oxidative coupling of electron rich arenes and acrylates

•The CH arylation of electron rich acrylates is described.•Simple and direct method for controlling reactivity in electron rich olefination.•Investigation of solvent effect on reaction outcome.•New insights of 1,3-dicarbonyl ligand effects on Fujiwara–Moritani reaction.•ESI-MS study used to identify reaction intermediates.