Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of Rh(ppy)2(OAc) (ppyH=2-phenylpyridine): a rhodium(III) complex as a catalyst for oxidative arylation of ethylene with benzene

Rh(ppy)2(OAc) (1) (ppyH=2-phenylpyridine), which was obtained by reaction of [Rh(ppy)2Cl]2 with KOAc, was found to work as a catalyst for oxidative arylation of ethylene with benzene to produce styrene by addition of O2/Cu oxidizing agent. The structure of 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.