Versatile directed aromatic C–H bond activation and oxidative coupling with allylicalcohols is reported using a cationic Rh(III) catalyst. This method provides efficient and robust synthesis of functional β-aryl ketones and indolines in good yields with excellent regioselectivity, even the reaction runs at 3 g scale. The catalytic systems have good functional group tolerance, such as CONR2, NHAc,