Thermal C-H Activation Catalyzed by RhCl (CH2=CH2) (PMe3)2. Hydrogen Transfer from Cycloalkanes to Ethylene and Ethylene Insertion into Cycloalkanes

Dehydrogenation of cycloalkanes to cycloalkenes is catalyzed by RhCl(CH2=CH2) (PMe3)2 under ethylene pressure at a high temperature over 170 °C. Ethylene insertion into sp3 C–H bond of cycloalkanes occurs at 230 °C to afford ethylcycloalkanes.