Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Olefin Hydroarylation of Aromatic Aldehydes Using a Transient Directing Group.

A Rh(III)-catalyzed intramolecular olefin hydroarylation of aromatic aldehydes with a transient directing group has been described. The bidentate directing groups in situ generated from aromatic aldehydes and β-alanine could enable the subsequent C-H activation and hydroarylation with excellent site selectivities and high functional group compatibility. The further conversion of the aldehyde group showcased the broad application prospects of this methodology.