C–H and C–F bond activation reactions of pentafluorostyrene at rhodium complexes

The rhodium(I) complexes [Rh(Bpin)(PEt3)3] (1), [Rh(H)(PEt3)3] (5) and [Rh(Me)(PEt3)3] (14) were employed in reactions with pentafluorostyrene affording coordination of the olefin and C–F or C–H bond activation. Control of the reaction conditions allowed for selective activation reactions at different positions at the fluorinated aromatic ring. The rhodacycle trans-[Rh(F)(CH2CH2(2-C6F4))(PEt3)2] (7) was identified as an intermediate for an activation at the 2-position. Reactivity studies of the latter with CO led to the generation of trans-[Rh(F)(CH2CH2C6F4)(CO)(PEt3)2] (10). Stoichiometric and catalytic hydroboration reactions were achieved using complexes 1 or 5 as catalysts.