Directed Cp*RhIII-Catalyzed Fluorosulfonylvinylation of Arenes

Abstract

The preparation of β-aryl- and β-heteroarylethenesulfonyl fluorides is demonstrated by way of an o-C–H functionalizing directing group strategy. In this event, tris(acetonitrile)(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)rhodium(III) hexafluoroantimonate, [Cp*Rh(MeCN)3](SbF6)2, reacts catalytically to promote oxidative C–H alkenylation of arenes with the readily available sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange reagent ethenesulfonyl fluoride. Notably, this strategy enables fluorosulfonylvinylation of arenes without requiring preinstallation of boronic acids, halogens, or diazonium functional groups on the arene.