Regioselective ortho olefination of aryl sulfonamide via rhodium-catalyzed direct C-H bond activation.

Rh(III)-catalyzed ortho C-H olefination of aryl sulfonamide directed by the SO2NHAc group is reported. This oxidative coupling process is achieved highly efficiently and selectively with a broad substrate scope. The reactions of N-tosylacetamide with acrylate esters afford ortho-alkenylated benzofused five-membered cyclic sulfonamides, whereas styrenes provide the direct diolefination products.