Ester-directed orthogonal dual C–H activation and ortho aryl C–H alkenylation via distal weak coordination

An unprecedented orthogonal cross-coupling between aromatic C(sp2) and aliphatic olefinic C(sp2) carbons of two same molecules via dual C-H bond activation in an intermolecular fashion has been developed using a distal ester-directing group. This new coupling reaction led to the synthesis of the highly functionalized 1,3-diaryl molecular architecture in very good yields and with high chemo- and regioselectivities. In addition, using ester as the distal directing group, ortho C-H olefination of α-methyl aryl acrylates and cinnamic esters with various alkenes has been achieved in very good yields and with a wide range of substrate scope.