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Abstract A catalytic method for the site‐selective and enantioselective synthesis of functionalized arenes by the intermolecular hydroarylation of terminal and internal 1,3‐dienes with aryl pinacolato boronates is reported. The reactions are promoted by 5.0 mol % of a readily available monodentate phosphoramidite‐Ni complex in ethanol, affording a variety of enantioenriched products in up to 96 % yield and 99:1 er. Mechanistic studies indicate that Ni–allyl formation is irreversible and related to the nature of the arylboronate. 

Catalytic site-selective hydroallylation of vinyl arenes and 1,3-dienes is reported. Transformations are promoted by a readily accessible bidentate carbodicarbene-rhodium complex and involve commercially available allyltrifluoroborates and an alco-hol. The reaction is applicable to vinyl arenes, and aryl or alkyl-substituted 1,3-dienes (30 examples). Allyl addition products are generated in 40–78% yield and in up to >98:2 site-selectivity. Reaction outcomes are consistent with the intermedi-acy of a Rh(III)-hydride generated by protonation of Rh(I) by an acid. A number of key mechanistic details of the reaction are presented: (1) Deuterium scrambling into the product and starting alkene indicates reversible Rh(III)–H migratory insertion. (2) A large primary kinetic isotope effect is observed. (3) With substituted allyltrifluoroborates (e.g., crotyl-BF3K) mixtures of site isomers are generated as a result of transmetalation followed by Rh-(allyl) complex equilibration; consequently, disproving outer-sphere addition of the allyl nucleophile to Rh(III)-(η3-allyl). (4) The stereochemical analysis of a cyclohexadiene allyl addition product supports a syn Rh(III)–hydride addition. (5) A Hammett plot shows a negative slope suggesting reductive elimination as the rate-determining step. Finally, utility is highlighted by a iodocyclization and cross metathesis.