Catalytic dehalogenation of fluorinated and chlorinated ethylenes by (PPh
3)
3RhCl in the presence of Et
3SiH at35
C is described, and product identity and kinetic parameterswere determined. This system has an
intramolecular preferencefor Cl over F removal, an
intermolecular preference for F- overCl-containing alkenes, and a strong preference for sp
2 over sp
3carbon-halogen bonds. Both the substitution pattern and thesubstituent identity are important in determining the rate of thedehalogenation.