Intermolecular Allylic C-H Etherification of Internal Olefins

Herein we report on the development of an oxidative allylic C-H etherification reaction, utilizing internal olefins and alcohols as simple precursors. Key advances include the use of RhCp* complexes to promote the allylic C-H functionalization of internal olefins and the compatibility of the oxidative conditions with oxidatively sensitive alcohols, enabling the direct etherification reaction. Preliminary mechanistic studies, consistent with C-H functionalization as the rate determining step, are presented.