Mechanistic Switch via Subtle Ligand Modulation: Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of α,β‐Substituted Styrenes via CH Bond Functionalization

A new catalyst system able to efficiently perform the synthesis of styrenes via CH bond functionalization and a subtle ligand modification are described. The high level of activity achieved allows for the synthesis of highly functionalized α,β‐substituted styrenes, even the elusive E ‐configured trisubstituted olefins, in a regio‐ and stereoselective manner. Mechanistic experiments allowed for the identification of the corresponding synthetic intermediates.