Rhodium‐Catalyzed meta‐C−H Functionalization of Arenes

Rhodium‐catalyzed ortho ‐C?H functionalization is well known in the literature. Described herein is the Xphos‐supported rhodium catalysis of meta ‐C?H olefination of benzylsulfonic acid and phenyl acetic acid frameworks with the assistance of a para ‐methoxy‐substituted cyano phenol as the directing group. Complete mono‐selectivity is observed for both scaffolds. A wide range of olefins and functional groups attached to arene are tolerated in this protocol.