Rh(III)-catalyzed ortho-oxidative alkylation of unactivated arenes with allylic alcohols

Versatile directed aromatic C-H bond activation and oxidative coupling with allylic alcohols is reported using a cationic Rh(III) catalyst. This method provides efficient and robust synthesis of functional beta-aryl ketones and indolines in good yields with excellent regioselectivity, even the reaction runs at 3 g scale. The catalytic systems have good functional group tolerance, such as CONR2, NHAc, NO2, CF3, CN, Cl, Br and I.