Rhodium-catalyzed regioselective cross-coupling of styrene oxides with arylboronic acids in aqueous $\gamma$-valerolactone

A simple and regioselective cross-coupling of styrene oxides with arylboronic acids in the presence of Rh(PPh$_3$)$_3$Cl in biomass-derived $\gamma$-valerolactone has been developed. The reactions proceeded smoothly to give 1,2-diaryl ethanols as the predominant products in moderate to good yields.