Hydroalkenylation: Palladium catalyzed co-dimerization of unactivated alkenes

A highly efficient co-dimerization of styrene and cyclopentene was developed in the presence of palladium and a BF3 source, selectively forming a new C–C bond. The complex [Pd(PPh3)2]+BF4− is believed to generate palladium hydride (Pd-H), which catalyzes the reaction between various styrenes and cyclopentene in excellent yields as single isomers. This co-catalytic system provides a new efficient C–C bond forming method.