Catalytic selective cleavage of a strong C–C single bond by rhodium in solution

Reaction of [RhCl(C8H14)2]2 with an excess of the diphosphine 1,3-bis(diisopropylphosphinomethylene)mesitylene 1 in dioxane under mild H2 pressure (25 psi) or with an excess of HSi(OEt)3 results in catalytic selective cleavage of a strong C–C single bond.