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Macrocyclic peptides containing C(sp2)–C(sp3) side chain cross-links are a rapidly growing subclass of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), with significant potential in the development of new pharmaceuticals. This report presents a method for the efficient synthesis of derivatives of this class using a diastereoselective cross-electrophile coupling for the formation of the key β-aryl-alkyl cross-link. 

Allylic substitution, pioneered by the work of Tsuji and Trost, has been an invaluable tool in the synthesis of complex molecules for decades. An attractive alternative to allylic substitution is the direct functionalization of allylic C–H bonds of unactivated alkenes, thereby avoiding the need for prefunctionalization. Significant early advances in allylic C–H functionalization were made using palladium catalysis. However, Pd-catalyzed reactions are generally limited to the functionalization of terminal olefins with stabilized nucleophiles. Insights from Li, Cossy, and Tanaka demonstrated the utility of RhCp x catalysts for allylic functionalization. Since these initial reports, a number of key intermolecular Co-, Rh-, and Ir-catalyzed allylic C–H functionalization reactions have been reported, offering significant complementarity to the Pd-catalyzed reactions. Herein, we report a summary of recent advances in intermolecular allylic C–H functionalization via group IX-metal π-allyl complexes. Mechanism-driven development of new catalysts is highlighted, and the potential for future developments is discussed. 

Allylic C–H functionalization catalysed by group 9 Cp* transition-metal complexes has recently gained significant attention. These reactions have expanded allylic C–H functionalization to include di- and trisubstituted olefins, and a broad range of coupling partners. More specifically, several catalytic C–N, C–O, and C–C bond forming allylic C–H functionalization reactions have been reported, proceeding via MCp*-π-allyl intermediates. Herein we present an overview of these reactions by mechanistic paradigm. We also place this information in context of recent advances, as well as, limitations that remain for this class of reactions.