Vinylsilanes as Ethylene Surrogates: Rh(I)-Catalyzed Direct Hydroarylation of <i>In Situ</i> Generated Ethylene

A modular and practical approach to the Rh(I)-catalyzed hydroarylation of ethylene with arenes bearing a quinoline amide group has been developed. To address the inherent challenges of ethylene hydroarylation, particularly the reliance on high ethylene pressure, this approach employs vinylsilane as a bench-stable, safer surrogate for the <i>in situ</i> generation of ethylene. Comprehensive mechanistic studies support a sequence involving the insertion of vinyl silane, ethylene release, and subsequent hydroarylation, highlighting the efficiency and practicality of this transformation.