Biomimetic aerobic C-H olefination of cyclic enaminones at room temperature: Development toward the synthesis of 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes

A green and mild protocol for the dehydrogenative olefination of cyclic enaminones was devised via palladium catalysis at room temperature using oxygen as the terminal oxidant. The synthetic utility of the olefinated cyclic enaminones afforded a series of unique 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes via an unanticipated Diels-Alder tandem reaction. The broad substrate scope and good yields achieved with this new protocol provide an alternative pathway for arene functionalization.