A new catalyst system able to efficiently perform the synthesis of styrenes via C-H bond functionalization and a subtle ligand modification are described. The high level of activity achieved allows for the synthesis of highly functionalized α,β-substituted styrenes, even the elusive E-configured trisubstituted olefins, in a regio- and stereoselective manner. Mechanistic expts. allowed for the identification of the corresponding synthetic intermediates.
![Mechanistic switch via subtle ligand modulation: Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of ?,?-substituted styrenes via C-H bond functionalization](https://www.iciq.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Mechanistic-switch-via-subtle_1223.gif)