We report here a deallylative β-acylalkylation reaction of allylbenzene derivatives with allyl alcohols in the presence of Cp*Rh catalysts. Allylbenzenes possessing pyridyl and pyrazolyl directing groups were converted to β-aryl ketones via the cleavage of C(aryl)–C(allyl) bonds. Synthesis of a quinoline derivative from a β-aryl ketone product bearing a pyrazolyl group was also achieved.
Ruthenium- and rhodium-catalyzed oxidative couplings between versatile directed aromatic C–H bonds and allylicalcohols have been achieved. This method provides efficient synthesis of functional β-aryl ketones and aldehydes in good to excellent yields, and the carbonyl group in the desired products was a significant synthon for organic synthesis.