Cp*Rh(III)/boron hybrid catalysis for directed C-H addition to β-substituted α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids.

The C-H bond addition reaction of 2-phenylpyridine derivatives with α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids catalyzed by Cp*Rh(III)/BH3·SMe2 is reported. Activation of C-H bonds with the rhodium catalyst and activation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with the boron catalyst cooperatively work, and a BINOL-urea hybrid ligand significantly improved the reactivity. With the optimized hybrid catalytic system, various β-disubstituted carboxylic acids were obtained under mild reaction conditions.