Transition metal catalyzed oxidative arene alkenylation: the impact of oxidant identity on reaction rate and selectivity

Resumen

Rh-, Pd-, Ir-, and Ru-based catalysts for the oxidative conversion of olefins and arenes to alkenyl arenes have been reported. Proposed mechanisms often invoke arene C–H activation, olefin insertion into M–aryl bonds, β-hydride elimination, and reaction of M–H intermediates with an oxidant. Of central importance is identification of oxidants that do not generate oxidized transition metal complexes that are catalytically inactive. Herein, we overview reported oxidants for arene alkenylation reactions catalyzed by homogeneous late transition metal complexes and their influence on reaction rate and selectivity. This review is limited to reactions involving hydrocarbon olefins and arenes without functionalized directing groups and will not cover the extensive literature on directed arene alkenylation reactions.