Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Decarboxylative C−H Activation: Versatile Routes to meta-Alkenylated Arenes

Ruthenium(II) bis(carboxylate)s proved highly effective for two decarboxylative C−H alkenylation strategies. The decarboxylation proceeded efficiently at rather low temperatures. The unique versatility of the decarboxylative ruthenium(II) catalysis is reflected in the oxidative olefinations with alkenes as well as the redox-neutral hydroarylations of alkynes.