Alcohol-Directed ortho-C–H Alkenylation

Abstract

We report a simple and mild dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction of unprotected arylethanols and acrylates. Unlike the case of previous reactions, in which prior functionalization of the substrate with a metal-coordinating site was required, free primary, secondary, or tertiary hydroxy groups were found to be effective directing groups for the ortho-C–H palladation and subsequent olefination.